The Joint Task-force (JTF) comprising of the Nigeria Navy, Air Force and Army, on Thursday launched Operation Jagunlabi, a show of force, on the Lagos backwaters to combat increasing menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
The exercise, which is an offshoot of the ongoing Operation AWATSE (an Hausa word for scatter), was kicked off to further solidify the gains of the JTF in battling vandalism and crude oil theft in Lagos creeks and backwaters.
The exercise was kicked off by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Slyvanus Abbah, at the naval outpost in Majidun area of Ikorodu and saw the JTF patrol both waters and land around that area.
Abbah was joined by the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Yahaya; the General Officer Commanding, Major General Peter Dauke and the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral Maurice Eno.
The maritime operation started from Majidun creek and saw apenal gunboats patrol Ebute waterside, Ibeshe ferry jetty and moved to Oworonsoki jetty before heading back to base.
The ground force also took off from Majidun and stormed Ikorodu garage roundabout, Ibeshe junction, Ibeshe Ilaje, Imota, Ishawo and rendezvous then back at the naval outpost.
Not ruling out aerial bombardment by the AirForce if need be, the FOC said the joint patrol means the three arms of services will pull resources and manpower together to tackle the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
Harping on the importance of intelligence gathering, Abbah who addressed the troops before the exercise began said they are to mix up with civilians in order to get them to loosen up.
He said, “Operation AWATSE has been an on- going operation and if you are in Lagos I think this is the most peaceful festive period you have ever had in Lagos.
“We have been working tirelessly before now. You know criminals have been carrying out their nefarious act at the high sea; which is sea robbery.”
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