Oil Theft Leads To Drop In Crude Oil Production, Loss Of Significant Revenue In Nigeria
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says over 70 illegal oil refineries and about 80 suspended storage tanks have been destroyed by air strikes carried out by Nigerian Air Force, NAF, aircraft under Operation Delta Safe in the past 3 months.
The Chief of Air Staff, who disclosed this while receiving the National Coordinator of Messrs New Guard Security and Consulting Limited, Major General Jamil Sarham, Rtd, and his entourage at the NAF Headquarters, highlighted the severe negative impact of oil theft and pipeline sabotage on Nigeria’s oil production, resulting in a significant drop in crude oil production and significant revenue loss to the country.
He also noted the environmental consequences of these illegal activities, which lead to air and water pollution, and affect aquatic life and agriculture.
According to him, to address these challenges, the armed forces have been tasked with eradicating the scourge of oil theft and pipeline sabotage in the Niger Delta region, with the aim of increasing oil production.
Air Marshal Abubakar also gave a brief on the NAF’s robust engagement in combating illegal oil theft through Operation Delta Safe, especially in the last 12 months.
He said in the past year, the NAF has flown 463 sorties in 560 flying hours and expended 175,000 litres of A-1 jet fuel for flight operations over the Niger Delta region.
The CAS also added that to enhance these efforts, several newly established platforms have been deployed in the region and beyond to enable the NAF to cover more terrain while liaising with other security agencies to degrade the activities of criminals in the region.
While congratulating Major General Sarham, Retd, and his team on their appointment as the new contractor of the Project Management Office, CAS applauded the team’s outstanding military experience, expressing optimism that their collaboration with security agencies would address the challenges of crude oil theft, add strength to the ongoing efforts.
He noted that the visit provided a solid basis for greater cooperation and synergy between the NAF and the New Guard Security Force, with potential positive implications for Nigeria’s national defense and security.
The visit marked a significant step towards enhancing the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and addressing the economic and environmental challenges posed by oil theft.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet gave a list of other members of the entourage to include the Director of Operations, Rear Admiral Akano Adesope, retd, Director of Intelligence and Strategy, Brigadier General Nasiru Najaja, retd, Chief of Field Operations, Brigadier General Innocent Olotta, retd, Chief of Strategy and Plans, Brigadier General Idam Aghachi, retd, Chief of Personnel and Strategic Communications, Brigadier General Aminu Iliya, retd, and Chief of Finance and Accounts, Lt. Col. Christy Musa, retd, among others.
