Defence Minister, CDS in Delta to inspect pipeline explosion site

The Minister of Defence, Brigadier-General Mansur Dan-Ali (Rtd), has arrived at the Osubi Airport in Warri, Delta State for an on-the-spot assessment of oil facilities which exploded a few days ago.

On arrival, he moved to the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army barracks for the guard of honour and a brief interaction with the troop.

On hand to receive the Minister was the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; the Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major General Alani Gafar Okunola; Brigade Sector 1 Commander, Brigadier General Fanola Yahaya and the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral A.O Sulaiman.

Representing the State Governor was the Secretary to the State Government, Ovie Agas, amongst other high ranking military officers and top government functionaries.

The JTF Commander of Operation Pulo Shield in the Niger Delta, Major-General Alani Okunola, had earlier inspected the site of the pipeline explosion.

He said that the task force was closing in on those responsible for blowing up oil pipeline and other facilities belonging to some oil companies and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company, NNPC.

He described the Friday attack in Warri South-West local government area of Delta State as economic sabotage which the military would not tolerate.