THE raging crisis in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of the country was an issue of discourse yesterday when selected top military officers from the United States (U.S.) War College paid official visit to the Western Naval Command, Apapa area of Lagos.
The military personnel, who were in the country for a study tour, had inquired from the Navy about the security situation in the Niger Delta and also to know the safety of investment and expatriates in the region.
The delegation, which was led by Col. J.C. Connors, was received by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC), Rear Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, who briefed the group on efforts made in tackling the Niger Delta crisis.
Explaining the Nigeria military’s position, the flag officer told the officers that a Joint Task Force (JTF), which comprises Army, Navy, Airforce, Police and other paramilitary bodies, was currently providing security in the region with a view to safeguarding lives and investments.
After the deliberations, which lasted for about an hour, the team was conducted round the naval base to see the platforms and fleet at the Naval base.
The officers’ visit will add impetus to the already existing military tie between Nigeria and the U.S.
Defence sources told The Guardian that the U.S. military was seriously concerned about the abduction of expatriates and blowing up of oil pipelines by suspected militant groups.
The latest visit of the U.S. military personnel is coming barely two weeks after one of the militant groups blew up two oil facilities and abducted a vessel and all its crew members.
The United States Navy had visited Nigeria on February 23, this year when they underwent joint military training with the Navy and Air Force code named, “Exercise Maritime Safari.”
The training centred on search and rescue procedures on sea, aircraft maintenance and maritime safety.