Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has stressed the importance of security to deliver good governance to the people of the state.
Diri said that was the reason for the commitment and support of his administration to efforts by security agencies to promote security in the state.
At the flag-off of “Exercise Still Waters III” by the Nigerian Army at Otuokpoti in Ogbia local government area, the governor said since assuming office, his administration gave priority to the security of lives and property as it is the essence of good governance.
He said the operation was a welcome development at a time when the country was approaching the yuletide and Bayelsa was preparing for an off-cycle governorship election.
The governor appreciated the efforts of the military in reducing crime and criminality in the state and urged them to continue to be proactive and collaborate with the state government to keep Bayelsa peaceful.
Diri said the success of previous exercises contributed to the peaceful yuletide period in the state and commended the Chief of Army Staff for sustaining the exercise while expressing optimism that this year’s operation will be more successful.
Earlier, commander of the military 16th Brigade, Bayelsa State, Brigadier-general Sabisu Yakassai, said the location was selected after considering many factors, saying the exercise was designed to cover all areas of security concerns in Bayelsa and that it involves all stakeholders within the security architecture in the state.
He said the exercise was aimed at checkmating criminal activities such as pipeline vandalism, cultism, illegal oil refining, and kidnapping among others as well as to prepare troops for the November 11 governorship election in the state.
In his remarks, General Officer Commanding 6th Division, Major General Jamil Abdusalam, said the “Exercise Still Waters 3” would also focus on key aspects of cyber warfare to counter negative propaganda in the social media space and address other challenges experienced during the end of the year.
He said personnel of the Nigerian Army were ready to pay the supreme price for the peace and security of Nigeria and commended commanders from other security formations for their participation and support in efforts geared toward maintaining peace and security.
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