Rear Admiral Noel Madugu has officially taken over as the new Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in the South-South region.
He pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor and sustain efforts to tackle security challenges.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the OPDS Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Friday, Madugu, who succeeded Rear Admiral John Okeke, who has now been reassigned to Abuja, expressed gratitude for his predecessor’s leadership.
He assured that he would adopt proactive measures to combat all forms of criminal activities and dismantle their networks.
“A mandate has been given to us by the Federal Government, we must sustain the fight against crude oil theft and any form of illegality in the oil industry.
“So, the mandate is for us to achieve at least 2.5 to 3 million barrels per day, which the former commander has done his best, but I assure the public and the government, that we will strive hard to achieve that task given to us.
“The former commander did a lot of things including the host community relationship building on the task, plus crude oil production,” he said.
The new JTF commander pledged that the momentum will be kept for the sustenance of the fight against crude oil theft and ensuring that the mandate of 2.5 to 3 million barrels per day is achieved.
Madugu disclosed that the command will adopt strategies that strengthens synergy and cohesion among the various units, components and formations of the taskforce for effective results.
The immediate-past commander, Rear Admiral Okeke expressed his gratitude to officers and men of the JTF for the support and cooperation they extended to him during his tenure as the commander.
“Your professionalism and dedication to telling the story of our operations have been invaluable in promoting awareness and understanding of our mission.
“I am proud to say that together, we have made significant progress in maintaining peace and security in our joint operations area.
“As I hand over the reins to my successor, I urge you to extend the same level of cooperation and support to him.
“Your role in shaping the narrative of our operations is crucial, and I have no doubt that you will continue to do so with the same level of excellence”, he said.
