The Joint Task Force (JTF) of the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has distributed food items and other essentials to inmates of the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to celebrate Christmas.
The donation, which took place on Saturday, included bags of rice, noodles, vegetable oil, toiletries and other basic necessities. The gesture also formed part of the 2025 end-of-year activities for personnel of the JTF OPDS.
Presenting the items, the Commander of JTF OPDS, Rear Adm. Olugbenga Oladipo, said the donation was aimed at supporting the welfare of inmates and giving them a sense of belonging.
Oladipo, who was represented by the Maritime Component Commander of the JTF, Commodore B.O. Onalo, assured that the task force would continue to provide support, within its capacity, to improve the living conditions of inmates.
He stressed that inmates, despite being confined, should not be written off from society, noting that there was life after incarceration.
“Our belief is that one day they will complete their sentences and reintegrate into society,” he said.
In his response, the Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Okaka Centre, Mr Ogundare Rasheed, commended the JTF Commander for the gesture, describing it as consistent and impactful.
“This is not the first time. I assumed duty here about a year ago, and this is the third time the JTF has presented items to inmates of this correctional centre,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, treated troops of the JTF deployed to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) facility in Kwale to a Christmas luncheon.
The CDS applauded the resilience and dedication of troops safeguarding oil installations in the Niger Delta region.
Represented by the JTF Commander, the CDS said the luncheon was organised to recognise the sacrifices and commitment of personnel in maintaining peace and protecting lives, especially during the festive season.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of its personnel and their families.