Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (Rtd.), and Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Gabriel Olorunsakin on Friday assured troops deployed to Niger Delta of improved welfare.

The defence chiefs announced plans to intensify operations to curb threats posed by several militant groups.

There has lately been redeployment of officers who have spent some time in the Niger Delta as well as reinforcements of men and deployment of military hardware.

The minister addressed officers and men of the Joint Military Force, Operation Delta Safe, at its headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Dan-Ali reiterated the commitment of Federal Government to welfare of troops deployed to parts of the country facing security challenges and expressed the gratitude of the President and Commander-in-Chief, retired General Muhammadu Buhari.

He pledged to ensure a rotation and redeployment of troops to relieve those who have served in the region beyond three years.

He said he was in the state accompanied by the defence minister to assess the performance of Operation Delta Safe, as well as its welfare, especially in the area of logistic support.

Dan-Ali said efforts are on to incorporate beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Amnesty programme in the fight against pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities threatening national security and stability.

He said that the Federal Government remained committed to curtailing the renewed militancy on the Niger Delta region.

•Photo shows retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali.