Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, on Friday assumed duty as Commander of joint military force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Yenagoa, with a pledge to build on his predecessor’s achievement in fighting criminality and illegality.

Ferreira took over from Rear Admiral Aminu Hassan, who assumed office as the commander, on March 26, 2021 but was recently moved to another area of responsibility.

Ferreira commended the outgoing JTF Commander for his contribution and successes achieved in defeating illegality in the Niger Delta.

The new JTF Commander said his expectation with the OPDS is to increase in hard work, achieve successes in their operation, to maintain or surpass what has been achieved so far.

He said: “With the team of officers that I am seeing here by the grace of God, we will do more than what has been achieved, for the interest of the federal republic of Nigeria,”

The new Commander urged those involved in illegal activities to desist from them, turn a new leaf and go into legitimate business.

Hassan, in his valedictory remarks, commended the officers and various component Commanders of the joint force for the accomplishments recorded during his tour of duty, in the OPDS.

According to him, looking back at what has been collectively achieved, everyone will continue to work together in the future to enhance the effort of the command.

He commended the Bayelsa Governor and people of Bayelsa for their continued cooperation with the Command.

Hassan said that when he came in they had to build on what he saw that made him to set up guiding principles on what he will work on in team work with zero tolerance for illegality.

He said those guiding principles made him and his team achieve results operational and administrative wise.

“We were able to reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta area.

“We were also able to mop up illegal arms which gives criminals the mind to operate freely, now the sea and the area is now secure for legitimate businesses to operate,” he said.

•PHOTO: Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira (Left) receiving Handing and Taking Over Note from Rear Admiral Aminu Hassan during the Handing and Taking Over Ceremony at the Headquarters Joint Task Force South South Operation DELTA SAFE in Yenagoa Baylesa State.

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