In line with the threat posed by ex-militants who threatened to return to the creeks after destroying and setting ablaze ten communities with explosives, in the coastal Odimodi community in Burutu local government area of Delta state.
The new Navy flag officer commanding the Central Naval Command comprising Delta, Edo, Bayelsa and parts of Rivers state Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman has warned ex-militants planning a comeback to the creeks of the Niger Delta to have a rethink or face the consequence.
He made the disclosure in Warri after visiting the razed community which has since been taken over by the JTF, and while also inspecting the Naval Air station in Effurun and warships to ascertain the combat readiness of the Navy.
The visit of the new Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command is coming twenty four hours after the former FOC warn oil thieves to stay clear of the region.
Fielding questions from journalists, Rear Admiral Suleiman stated that the Navy is ready to contest any eventuality.
Speaking further, he reiterated that the zero tolerance on oil theft is still on, and that no litre of oil should be stolen by oil thieves.
Meanwhile, at the Delta community, sixty Naval ratings and officers were stationed at various strategic locations in the coastal community, in other to carry out a search and destroy operation on any militant camp that might still be springing up by the ex-militants.
Speaking on the intensive patrol of the Navy, Rear Admiral Suleiman promised to support the operations of the patrol teams in achieving the desired result.
In a related development, the Delta Navy command has promised to embark on a show of force operation in the Delta waterways, as part of his efforts to check the activities of ex-militants and crude oil theft.
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