Oil Theft to End Soon, Vows CDS Christopher Musa

Oil Theft to End Soon, Vows CDS Christopher Musa. The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has vowed to end the ongoing problems of oil theft undermining the country’s economy and revenue base. 

He asserted the joint security operation aimed at ending the socio-economic menace

He assures the public that oil theft in the Niger Delta region deterring the Nation’s economic growth and expansion, will be laid to rest in three months.

This assurance came after the Federal Government ordered the security operatives to curb the illegal activities within the region of Niger Delta, which has hurt the nation’s economic growth and sustainability.

The security agents have made a decisive and combative move to curb the menace and end the criminal activity that has long been impeding the growth of Nigeria’s oil sector.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, and other security agencies ensure these illicit activities are disabled.

It was made known to the general public after these agencies had all agreed to quell the menace in the Niger Delta region, which is a mainstay of Nigeria’s crude oil production.

Echoing The Voice And Directive Of The President

Gen. Christopher Musa conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s order following a crucial meeting with top officials from NNPC and security agencies.

The CDS said, “The President has given us a mandate to secure the entire South-South, enabling NNPC and others to boost oil production.”

He further assures the general public that the illicit oil theft activities plaguing the nation will be curbed and eradicated within three months.

CDS Christopher Musa stressed the overdue menace ravaging the oil sector and expressed the urgent need to end it.

He then reassured the public that vandalism and criminality would soon be flushed out of the Niger Delta region, imploring the neighborhood to trust the government’s reinforced efforts.

“Nigeria relies heavily on crude oil production, and we need the communities to understand the importance of this mission. Everyone will be involved”, he noted.

A Call For Cooperation With Community

He also tasked the communities in the Niger Delta region to cooperate with the Government and that safeguarding the oil in the area should not be the responsibility of security agencies alone.

“We need the communities to understand that pipeline vandalism and all the hazards it causes also directly affect them, and we need to stop it. We need to work together, and this meeting we had today is to harmonize that based on the mandates that the President has given us. We will work together as a team, and all the operations will be harmonized,” he said.

Inspector General Of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Addressing The Media

Seconding, Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, assured the community of tangible effort and progress in the coming days.

He said, “We accept our challenges, but solving them requires a collective effort from all agencies and citizens. Expect results soon.”

He further said, “We need the cooperation of all agencies and the citizens. We need to take every step to address all these issues. I assure you that in days ahead, you will see results.”

NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO)

Mele Kyari, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), emphasised the importance of the security meeting, prompted by the president’s immediate directive to the CDS.

He stated visible crises emanating from oil theft and pipeline vandalism, canvassing collective combative efforts comprising the armed forces, police, and other security agencies.

“To do this, he needs the coordination and cooperation of all—the armed forces, the police, the DIA, and the DSS, among others. The survival of our country is at stake today. We cannot have the desired economic stability without restoring oil and gas production. The president is focused on this to deliver value to our country. It is impossible to do this without curtailing the crisis around our operational areas.

https://businessday.ng/news/article/defence-boss-vows-to-end-oil-theft-within-three-months/

Kyari:  Step In Right Direction

Kyari expressed positivity, highlighting initial signs of progress. He said, “We are already seeing substantial value from our coordinated efforts, and we are confident a solution is in sight.

“This initiative marks a significant step towards restoring Nigeria’s oil production and economic stability, reflecting the government’s commitment to tackling one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.”