The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says the Nigerian Army has succeeded in combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, noting that these efforts have led to an increase in national oil production.

Speaking during a Christmas luncheon with frontline troops of the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Oluyede, represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, commended the troops for their critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets.

“Of particular interest is the effort the troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and the Land Component of Operation Delta Safe are making with regards to safeguarding our national assets in the Niger Delta,” Oluyede said.

He revealed that oil production has risen from less than 1.4 million barrels per day earlier this year to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day, a clear indication of the military’s success in combating economic sabotage.

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“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,” Oluyede added. “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 neighborhood 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.”

Oluyede emphasized the need for cooperation from local communities to sustain and enhance these gains.

“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,” he stated.

Maj. Gen. Aligbe, reading a goodwill message from Oluyede, commended the officers and soldiers for their sacrifices and unwavering dedication to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly during the festive season.

“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,” Aligbe said.

He urged the troops to remain patriotic and professional, emphasizing the importance of staying apolitical and upholding their allegiance to civil authority.

“It behoves every Nigerian Army personnel to remain apolitical and subordinated to the civil authority,” Oluyede stated. He also reiterated the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, including those of fallen and injured colleagues.

“The Nigerian Army will ever remain committed, determined, and focused on winning all land battles in defense of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect her national interest, and accomplish other tasks in aid of civil authority in a joint and multi-agency environment,” Oluyede assured.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, praised the Nigerian Army for its role in maintaining peace and securing national assets in the state.

Fubara lauded the symbolic act of senior officers serving junior personnel during the luncheon, drawing a parallel with Biblical teachings. “It is gratifying to see senior officers serving junior operatives, it exemplifies the Biblical injunction when Jesus Christ Himself washed the feet of his disciples,” he said.

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