The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has declared that the Nigerian Army is making significant progress in the battle against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
This development, he said, has contributed to the rise in oil production across the country, highlighting the Army’s efforts in combating economic sabotage.
Represented by the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Major General Kevin Aligbe, , Oluyede addressed the media during a Christmas luncheon with troops from the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He stated, “Of particular interest is the effort the troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army and the Land Component of Operation Delta Safe is making with regards to safeguarding our national assets in the Niger Delta. Of course, the work we have done underscores the importance that the Government attaches to the need to ensure that the income for the government continues to flow in.
“If you recall a couple of months back we were probably doing less than 1.4 million barrels per day but now we are in the neighbourhood of about 1.8 million barrels per day or a little more which is a significant increase. And that bears testimony to the efforts the troops are making.
“And since they have raised the bar to that level they will take it up from there and we are winning the war on that. Of course, to be able to achieve exactly what we want we need the cooperation and the support of the people of the Niger Delta Region across the various communities where we have the pipelines and crude oil footprints.”
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Oluyede, Aligbe commended officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their steadfast commitment to tackling the nation’s security challenges, particularly during the festive season.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of personnel deployed in various operational theaters and peacekeeping missions who cannot be with their families due to the demands of duty.
Oluyede noted, “This is especially to those deployed in the various theatres and peacekeeping operations that will not likely be with their loved ones during the festive period due to the exigencies of duty.”
He expressed gratitude for the collective contributions of troops towards securing lives and properties, stating that their efforts are appreciated both locally and internationally. He further urged soldiers to remain patriotic, apolitical, and dedicated to their responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and combat readiness under his leadership.
“It behoves every Nigerian Army personnel to remain apolitical and subordinated to the civil authority,” he said, reiterating his commitment to the welfare of officers, soldiers, and their families, including the injured and families of the fallen.
The COAS assured that all measures to enhance professionalism and operational effectiveness within the Army would continue to be prioritized, saying, “Rest assured that all issues to foster professionalism, combat readiness of the Nigerian Army will be upscaled under my leadership.”
Oluyede also outlined his command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Army into a well-motivated, combat-ready force capable of effectively fulfilling its constitutional duties within a joint and multi-agency framework.
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, applauded the Army for its role in securing national assets and maintaining peace in the state.
He noted that the discipline and dedication of Army personnel were instrumental in sustaining security in Rivers State.
“We must underscore the fact that your presence here, your hard work, discipline is what is enabling us in this state to have peace and security we are having in this state now,” Fubara said.
The governor expressed gratitude for the Army’s contributions and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the military in its operations. He also praised the leadership of the 6 Division for exemplifying professionalism and fostering a robust relationship between the Army and the state government.
“The Governor has always asked for a professional Military that will serve the purpose for which the Nigerian Army is established. And I must say that the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division, Nigerian Army and the Garrison Commander, officers and men are living up to that expectation in Rivers State,” he added.
Fubara lauded the spirit of camaraderie displayed during the event, noting that senior officers serving their junior colleagues reflected the Biblical example set by Jesus Christ when He washed the feet of His disciples.
