General Abdussalam Emphasizes Increased Protection Of National Infrastructures …Inaugurates Multiple Projects
By Bukar Bolori
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, has called upon troops under the 16 Brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) to intensify efforts in safeguarding critical national infrastructures.
According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC issued this directive on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, while inaugurating various projects during his visit.
Speaking at the 16 Field Engineer Regiment (FER) in Toru-Orua, Sagbama LGA, Major General Abdussalam emphasized the need for continued efforts in eradicating illegal refineries and putting an end to pipeline vandalism and criminal activities in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
He underscored the importance of these measures to support the Federal Government of Nigeria’s initiatives to enhance oil production, subsequently boosting export quotas and national revenue.
Major General Abdussalam stressed that any disruptions to the pipeline adversely impact oil production and revenue generation, highlighting the urgency to curtail criminal activities in the NDR.
“You must sustain the operational tempo against pipeline vandals and economic saboteurs,” he emphasized.
During his visit to the Headquarters of the 16 Brigade, Major General Abdussalam commended the Commander for the noteworthy projects that have significantly transformed the Brigade.
He expressed appreciation for the accomplishments and urged all officers to strive for improvements and leave positive legacies in their respective assignments.
Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai, the Commander of the 16 Brigade, extended gratitude to the GOC for his leadership and mentorship, acknowledging the positive impact of the commissioned projects on the welfare of officers and soldiers.
He credited the GOC for his unwavering support to the Brigade, both presently and in the past.
One of the inaugurated projects, the Corporal and Below Quarters (CBQ), initiated in 2018, saw completion after a hiatus.
Lieutenant Colonel Akinlolu Ayanfuso, the Commanding Officer of 16 FER, highlighted that work resumed on the project following a promise by Major General Philip Eromosele, the Commander Corp of Engineers, during a visit on March 6, 2023.
The CBQ, designed for troops and their families, was successfully delivered and commissioned by the GOC.
The projects inaugurated during the visit included a one-storey 20-family CBQ in Toru-Orua, an official residence for the Commander of 16 Brigade, a Nigerian Army Post Exchange (NAPEX), a Soldiers’ Canteen, and Number 2 Gate at Camp Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Yenagoa.
Other inaugurated projects encompassed the Regimental Sergeant Major’s official residence, the unveiling of a street named after the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja, the inauguration of Officers’ transit accommodation, and a tree-planting campaign in support of 16 Brigade’s biodiversity drive.
The visit culminated in Major General Abdussalam’s address to the troops, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph, marking a significant moment in fostering operational readiness and infrastructure development within the 6 Division.
