•CDS Olufemi Oluyede (C)
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has warned troops deployed to the Niger Delta against involvement in oil theft or any form of compromise while carrying out their constitutional duty of protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure vital to Nigeria’s economic sustainability.
The warning was delivered yesterday at the commissioning of an ultra-modern Non-Commissioned Officers’ (NCOs) accommodation complex and a remodelled conference hall at the headquarters of Operation Delta Safe in Igbogene, Bayelsa State, reports The Guardian.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the CDS charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and discipline in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that safeguarding oil infrastructure remains critical to national economic stability and warned that any form of collusion or unethical conduct would not be tolerated.
Oluyede also reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare and general well-being of personnel of the Armed Forces, assuring that ongoing proposals for enhanced welfare packages would be pursued to completion.
The CDS commended the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Olugbenga Oladipo, for successfully executing the projects, describing them as value-adding interventions that align with the military’s broader welfare objectives.
In his remarks, Oladipo expressed appreciation to the CDS for commissioning the facilities despite his tight schedule, noting that the projects were conceived and delivered in line with the CDS’ Military Strategic Philosophy, which places troop welfare at the core of operational effectiveness.
He explained that the NCOs’ accommodation comprises 24 apartments, equipped with round-the-clock solar power supply, water facilities, bedding and cooling systems to ensure comfort and improved living conditions for personnel.
The commander reiterated his commitment to prioritising the welfare of officers and men under his command to boost morale and enhance operational performance in fulfilling the mandate of Operation Delta Safe, which includes protecting oil and gas infrastructure, deterring militancy, curbing sea robbery, and safeguarding lives and property in the Niger Delta.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Emmanuel Emekah; the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, represented by his Chief of Staff, J. J. Ijugigal; the Commander, 16 Brigade, Nurulhayat Mohammed; and other principal staff officers from Defence Headquarters.
