Security chiefs unite to combat Crude Oil theft, vandalism in Niger Delta
In a concerted effort to address crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta, security chiefs have aligned their strategies under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President has mandated seamless crude exploration and exploitation in the region while ensuring the protection of lives.
The meeting, held yesterday in Abuja with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari, led to the declaration of an integrated battle plan under a joint task force. Security leaders emphasized the necessity for community cooperation in executing this directive.
Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa addressed reporters, stating, “We know that Nigeria relies heavily on our production capabilities. We appeal to the communities for understanding. Trust has been an issue, but we assure you, the government aims to operate differently.”
“Everyone has a role to play; this is not solely the responsibility of security agencies. Communities must recognize the direct impact of pipeline vandalism and related hazards and work with us to halt these activities. I can assure you, results will be seen in the near future,” he added.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reiterated the unified approach of security agencies, emphasizing the urgency to resolve issues hindering oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta.
“We face challenges, but together we can solve them. Cooperation from all agencies and citizens is crucial.
The President has mandated us to secure the South-South region and facilitate NNPC operations, aiming for improved production. We promise Nigerians that acts of vandalism and criminality will be eradicated from the South-South,” he stated.
Mele Kyari highlighted the necessity of curbing oil theft and other crimes for economic stability.
“We are engaging with the CDS based on the President’s directive to address the crisis in the Niger Delta. Oil theft and pipeline vandalism are national issues. The President directed the CDS to resolve these problems swiftly to restore national production levels.
“This requires the coordination of the armed forces and security agencies like the police, DIA, and DSS. The survival of our country is at stake. Without restoring oil and gas production, economic stability is unattainable.
“The President is committed to delivering value to our country. We are already seeing progress and are confident that a solution is imminent,” Kyari said.
This initiative comes in the wake of a report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, revealing that the country lost $1.84 billion worth of petroleum products from refineries over the past nine years.
