UK, US Security Experts Train JTF Operatives

Security Experts from the United Kingdom and United States of America have joined forces with the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, code-named 'Operation Pulo Shield', to tackle oil platform vandals and illegal bunkering gangs operating in the region.

 It was gathered that the latest move followed concerns by the government and non-government agencies in the western countries that the continued theft of crude oil in the region pose security challenges to the region and the country.

 Consequently, JTF officials and personnel are to be trained on efficient policing of oil platforms and other installations to thwart the activities of illegal bunkerers and pipeline and oil installation vandals in the “Transformation Training Programme”.

 The security experts from Youths at Risk and Uncommon Wealth commenced the training that is conducted in partnership with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the Youths at Risk, UK and Uncommon Result Incorporation, USA.
Beyond training, Nation Evening Express also learnt that the groups would give tips on formation of strategies to deal with the renewed threats posed by activities of the criminal gangs and sea pirates.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, described the training as first of its kind in Africa and Nigeria, adding that it was designed to enhance performance and encourage efficiency of the security operatives.

“It is targeted at building and improving interpersonal relations in the security outfit fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
“The course is aimed at transforming our personnel to assist them in being refocused to be able to do their jobs better and to perform more efficiently. The course itself is focused on the individual person.

Our expectation is that, through this kind of training, we will be developing their capacity,” he said._Deputy Commander of the Joint Task Force, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, himself a beneficiary of the programme in the UK, said the workshop was designed to help the operatives to appraise themselves of the challenges ahead and enable them learn skills that would help them avoid temptations associated with their jobs._The Chief Executive Officer, Youth at Risk, Neil Wagg, expressed the hope that the experience acquired in the then war torn Kosovo, Northern Ireland among others, would be brought to bear on the personnel of the Task Force in the Niger Delta.