From Ben Dunno, Warri
An indication that the military and other security agencies in Delta State are not ready to take anything to chances in securing the lives and property of residents and ensuring peaceful general elections come February 25 emerged today with a coordinated Joint Task Force (JTF) show of force simultaneously across the state.
Investigations revealed that this would be the first major assignment to be carried out by the new Commander, 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Op Delta Safe of the Nigerian Army, Asaba, after he took over office from his predecessor, Major General David Saraso, who had since resumed as Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Damaturu, Yobe State.
Sources who disclosed this operation to Our Correspondent hinted that the operation which started as early as 5 am, took place at various locations under Sector 1 Command, comprising Anwai, Ugbolu, Oshimili, Ibusa, Ogwashi-Ukwu, AkukuIgbo, Illa, Agbor, Aboh, Kwale, Abraka, Eku, Orerokpe, Osubi, Uvwie and Warri as well as other adjoining towns of Udu, Burutu, Bomadi and other riverine communities.
Residents of these communities who were reported to have expressed apprehension on sighting heavy military build-up in their communities, later became relaxed when they discovered that the Joint Task Force operatives were matching orderly, chanting their solidarity songs to reaffirm their commitment to the safety of the residents.
In Warri, the men and officers attached to the 3 Battalion under Sector 1, were seen along the popular NPA Expressway to Warri-Sapele road, Jakpa road, Effurun Roundabout and other adjoining major roads to Udu council area along the DSC Expressway as well as the Warri River in their gunboats to register their combat readiness and alertness.
Along the popular Warri/Sapele road, residents were seen applauding the Joint Task Force for their commitment to the sustenance of peace being enjoyed today in the city and other neighbouring towns, especially in Ekpan and Effurun both in Uvwie as well as Ovwian-Aladja in Udu council areas that had been engulfed in both communal clashes and other forms of violent crimes.
At Ekpan, the long convoy of JTF operatives were seen moving slowly and majestically on the major road that transversed the community in their usual combat Army pickup with various assorted rifles as a way of informing the troublemakers in the area that it would no longer be business as usual, particularly this period the election was getting closer.
It was learnt that for more than 9hrs the operation lasted, the men did not show any sign of tiredness, as they were seen retiring to their barracks to receive a further briefing from the Commander.