Governor Otti Pledges Continued Collaboration With JTF To Tackle Crime In Abia, South-East

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South, Operation Delta Safe, to combat crime and criminal activities in Abia State, the South-East, and the wider Niger Delta region.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday, March 3, while receiving the new Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Ladipo, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia.

The governor described Rear Admiral Ladipo as a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the dynamics of criminal operations, particularly those involved in crude oil theft and related activities.

According to Governor Otti, understanding the operational patterns of criminal networks is critical to effectively stopping their activities.

“Like Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Special Adviser on Security) had earlier indicated, you are a professional and we have no doubt that we will work together to rid this place of crime and criminality. Once you understand how they operate, stopping them in their tracks becomes easier,” the governor stated.

He assured the JTF commander of the state government’s full support and proposed the establishment of an operational base for Operation Delta Safe in Abia State to strengthen security operations.

Governor Otti explained that while the task force headquarters is located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, setting up a base in Abia would enhance rapid response to security challenges, especially in oil-producing communities.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to support you and your team. While you have your headquarters in Yenagoa, we will encourage you to establish a base here. I will provide accommodation and everything required to enable you operate effectively, particularly in Ukwa West Local Government Area where we have oil in the state,” he said.

The governor also commended the task force for its successful security operations during the last Yuletide season, noting that the impact was widely felt across Abia and the South-East, resulting in a peaceful festive period.

Earlier in his remarks, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Ladipo said his visit was to formally introduce himself to the governor following his appointment as the new Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe.

He explained that the task force operates across oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region, including Abia, Imo, and Anambra, with the core mandate of protecting oil and gas infrastructure and combating crude oil theft.

According to him, criminal activities in the oil sector have evolved beyond pipeline vandalism, with perpetrators now targeting wellheads and engaging in illegal refining processes.

“The mandate of the Joint Task Force is to protect oil and gas installations, stop crude oil theft and bunkering, and safeguard lives and property. Crude oil theft is no longer just on pipelines; today, we see more activities around wellheads,” Ladipo said.

He added that some criminals now mix chemicals with crude oil to produce substandard engine oil and diesel, a practice that damages vehicles and generators used by unsuspecting consumers.

Rear Admiral Ladipo assured the governor that the task force would intensify efforts to clamp down on crude oil theft and other related crimes in the region.

Present during the visit were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (rtd.); and other top government officials.