FOC CNC champions inter-agency synergy, vows to curb oil theft

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

In a significant move to bolster security in the Niger Delta region, the newly appointed Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Suleiman Dantsoho Ibrahim, has embarked on a series of high-level courtesy visits to key security formations in Yenagoa.

Ibrahim visited the Headquarters of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) and the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police for Zone 16, as part of efforts to underscore his strategic commitment to fostering inter-agency collaboration as the cornerstone of his command.

He seized the opportunity to assure both agencies of his unwavering dedication to partnership.

“The complex security challenges in our Area of Responsibility, particularly oil theft and pipeline vandalism, cannot be tackled by a single entity. I am here to assure you of my readiness to always to collaborate. The need for synergy is not just important; it is imperative for our national security and economic stability.”

The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Eugenio Ferreira, a joint task force, expressed optimism about enhanced cooperation for national economic gains.

“With the deepened synergy that will be experienced between our two institutions, the nation is poised to witness a tremendous increase in its crude oil daily production. This partnership is a direct counter-offensive against the criminals sabotaging our economy.”

At Zone 16 Police Command, AIG Johnson Adenola emphasised the critical need for police-military collaboration, especially in securing the waterways.

“Security is everybody’s business. The police cannot do it alone. Partnering with the Navy, which has the primary capacity for maritime operations, is the most effective way to curb insecurity, from piracy to kidnappings, in our coastal communities.”

Rear Admiral Ibrahim also inspected the progress of several ongoing Nigerian Navy projects in Yenagoa and adjoining communities, signalling his focus on both operational readiness and infrastructural development.