Twenty patrol vehicles have been donated to Operation, AWATSE, a joint military task force against pipeline vandalisation and related criminal activities in Lagos State.

The vehicles donated by the government, would enhance the effectiveness of Operation AWATSE in ridding the state of criminal elements.

Presenting the Toyota Hilux vehicles, during a ceremony at Western Naval Command in Apapa, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the patrol vehicles could only serve to increase the effectiveness of logistics management in the deployment of service personnel in fulfilment of the mandate of Operation AWATSE.

Ambode who spoke through Commissioner for Special Duties, Seye Oladejo said it was also to ensure internal security on inland waterways, lives and properties of people and investors.

He commended Rear Adm. Sylvanus Abbah, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command and his men for their synergy with government and other security agencies.

“This is to ensure adequate provision of security across the state including the hinterland and riverside communities.

“Our administration will continue to support all security agencies operating in Lagos State to ensure that we continue to provide adequate security for lives and properties of all residents and investors in the state,” he said.

Recieving the vehicles, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah thanked the state government for the gesture, calling for more patrol boats and drones for the Navy and Air Force to enhance operation AWATSE.

“Operation AWATSE has come to stay and I believe that what we are enjoying in Lagos today is as a result of the collaboration between security agencies

“In the history of Lagos State, we have been experiencing peaceful coexistence and the criminals know they cannot operate in this formidable environment,” he said.

Abbah also thanked the officers and men of operation AWATSE for their cooperation, urging them to keep the spirit up.

“The civilians are your brothers and your job is to protect them.

“To the media and the public, if you suspect anyone not looking like a military personnel, please report to the nearest military formation around so that we can arrest the situation.

“The vehicles are kitted with communication gadgets, so be rest assured that you can sleep with your eyes closed and we are ever willing to serve you 24 hours,” he said.

The Chief of Defense Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, earlier in his welcome address, thanked the state government for its support to the military.

Represented by Air Vice Marshal Olusoji Awomoju, the CDS said the government’s support was to ensure that the nation’s territorial integrity and land resources were protected.

He said the incessant siphoning of Premium Motor Spirit from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines, especially in Ikorodu area, by vandals, gave rise to launching of operation AWATSE.

“The operation was taken over by the Defense Headquarters and the initial mandate was the protection of NNPC pipelines and infrastructure along the 72 kilo metre stretch of pipelines from Atlas Cove to Mosimi Depot.

“This was expanded to include security of Epe and Ogun Waterside in Lagos and Ogun state as well as anti-kidnapping, anti-robbery and related criminal activities,” he said.

The CDS also said operation AWATSE had brought sanity to its area of responsibility especially Majidun, which was a notorious transit route for criminals to other parts of riverine communities in Southwest Nigeria.