Crime

Defense Chief Pledges Quick Action Against Oil Thieves

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 20th, 2024.

Defense Chief Pledges Quick Action Against Oil Thieves

By Stephen Angbulu

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, announced on Friday that the military is initiating measures to crack down on crude oil thieves, assuring that their operations will soon be halted.

General Musa also pledged that the military would support Nigeria in achieving its crude oil production target of 2.1 million barrels per day. “For the criminals determined to steal our infrastructure and crude oil, their days are numbered. We are coming after them,” he told journalists after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

For over two decades, Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest oil producers, has faced a significant problem with oil theft. The country loses an estimated 200,000 barrels of oil per day to theft, which accounts for about 10% of its daily production. This theft mainly occurs through pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering, where oil is siphoned and sold on the black market.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has assured Nigerians of improved security measures, noting a decline in the crime rate across the country. His comments came just days before a planned nationwide protest against insecurity and the food crisis.

Egbetokun, who presented security briefs and received commendation from President Tinubu, revealed that the President urged various security agencies to enhance their collaboration in securing the country. He attributed the reduction in crime rates to effective coordination and strategies implemented by security agencies and vowed to sustain efforts to continue this downward trend.