The Nigerian Navy has launched a military operation codenamed 'Operation Octopus Grip" in Delta state as part of efforts to frustrate attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region. The operation may not be unconnected with the recent suspension of ceasefire by the notorious Niger Delta Avengers.
The Nigeria Navy disclosed that the eleven gunboats have been deployed for the successful execution of the operation and called on residents in coastal communities to cooperate with security operatives during the exercise.
Rear Admiral Abubakar Bello, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command made the call on Wednesday. He maintained that the launching of the operation was in furtherance of the first phase which was launched last month. He explained that though the first phase was mainly on the sea area, the second phase would focus on riverine areas.
“Like you all know we launched the first phase of this operation on the 30th of October. We started with the sea exercise in Onne. Now we are here to start the riverine operation and we said the exercise was going to be in two phases"
“Today we are going to start the riverine operation with eleven boats from NNS Delta. This will be going on simultaneously in other command as well”, he added.