The Defence Headquarters, Abuja has carried out some changes in the security outfits in the Niger Delta, including the Joint Task Force ‘‘Operation Restore Hope’’.
The measure entailed the rotation and swapping of troops.
Troops from the 93 Battalion, Effurun Barracks in Delta State, at the weekend moved to Takum in Taraba State. Troops from 3 Battalion, Takum are now occupants of Effurun Barracks.
A detailed movement of the troops obtained by our correspondent showed that 5 Battalion, Janguza in Kano State are moving to Elele, Rivers State, which was hitherto occupied by the 73 Battalion; the latter will move to Janguza, Kano, it was gathered.
A top Defence source, who confirmed the movement, said the it had nothing to do with the situation in the Niger Delta.
Our source said it was in line with the modus operandi of the military.
“This troop’s rotation is a normal means of operation in the Nigerian military and other parts of the world. It is intended to give all members of the Nigerian Army a feel of the situation in all parts of the country.
“Besides, swapping and other such tactics are to ensure that troops do not get too accustomed to their area of operation so that they don’t engage in any unprofessional conducts and what have you,” the source added.
The Co-ordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of the JTF, Lt. Col. Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the report in an email to our correspondent at the weekend.
He said: “The rotation of 93 Battalion, Effurun to Takum, in Taraba State has been concluded. Troops of 3 Battalion, Takum have officially taken over at Effurun Barracks Warri, the home of the JTF.
“Meanwhile, swapping of locations between 5 Battalion, Janguza in Kano state and 73 Battalion, Elele, in River State , is on going,” Abubakar added.