The Nigerian Military has reaffirmed its commitment to combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism, warning potential perpetrators to reconsider their actions.
This renewed pledge comes as the military intensifies its efforts to curb the illicit activities that have plagued the nation's oil industry.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed this today at the Biweekly media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Responding to questions from Defence correspondence on the security update of River State, Maj General Kangye said though the military is apolitical and will not want to react to the political unrest in Rivers State, notwithstanding, the National assets in the trouble zones will be protected at any cost.
The Nigerian military has already achieved substantial success in its fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the South South Zone.
With the military's increased efforts, those involved in these criminal activities are being put on notice to desist from their destructive ways, which not only harm the economy but also pose a significant threat to national security.
Maj General Kangye said troops are committed in the discharge of their responsibilities of ensuring zero tolerance for pipeline vandalism and other associated crimes with a view to maintaining peace and stability while sustaining the economic lifeline of Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians especially residents of South South to continue to support the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in sustaining the peace already enjoyed in the zone.
In the South South, troops shut down 21 illegal refining sites, foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about Four Hundred and Sixty One Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira (N461,783,868.00) only. mobile phones and some vehicles amongst others.
SpyeTV News reports that Nigeria’s leader declared an emergency in oil-rich Rivers state and suspended its governor and lawmakers Tuesday over a political crisis and vandalism to pipelines that contribute to the country’s status as Africa’s top oil producer.
President Bola Tinubu said in a state broadcast he was suspending the governor and other elected officials, including the state lawmakers, for six months. The Nigerian president criticized the governor for not “taking any action to curtail” fresh incidents of pipeline vandalism reported in the last 24 hours, including a blast that resulted in a fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline.