Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6th Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, has reassured stakeholders of the continuous provision of an enabling environment to ensure seamless oil production in the Niger Delta region (NDR).
The assurance was conveyed during the 6 Division Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) held at Port Harcourt Barracks.
According to Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Major General Abdussalam emphasized that the sustained enabling environment aimed to facilitate the Federal Government of Nigeria in achieving and possibly surpassing its oil production targets for the year 2024.
He called on all stakeholders to collaborate to realize this goal.
Major General Abdussalam highlighted the significance of WASA, describing it as a platform meant to strengthen social relationships among officers, soldiers, and their families.
Additionally, he noted that it provided an avenue for informal social interaction and a forum for the barracks community to showcase its rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The event also marks the conclusion of the training year and the beginning of a new year.
The GOC reaffirmed the success of the 2023 training exercises, particularly underscoring the impact of the annual Exercise STILL WATERS III in curtailing criminal activities in the NDR.
He detailed the achievements during the exercise, including over 1,112 arrests, the destruction of 233 illegal refineries, seizures of 1,111,900 liters of illegally refined products, the arrest of 72 trucks/vehicles, and the capture of over 356 arms and ammunition.
Major General Abdussalam emphasized that these accomplishments align with the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lieutenant General Toareed Lagbaja’s command philosophy.
The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, acknowledged WASA as an age-old tradition in the Nigerian Army, fostering bonds among officers, soldiers, their families, and friends.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Governor Fubara commended the selfless efforts of the Nigerian Army, particularly the 6th Division, in confronting criminality in the state and the nation.
He assured the people of continuous support of the State Government to the Nigerian Army.
During the vote of thanks, Brigadier General Eddet Effiong, the Commander of 6 Division Garrison and Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude for the success of the event.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his support and Major General Abdussalam for the opportunity to serve in his capacity.
General Effiong extended appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the event a success.
Highlights of the occasion included cultural displays, comedy performances, a tug of war competition, the presentation of awards, and the observance of the regimental beating of the retreat.
