Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Nigerian Army has forcefully rejected claims by a media outlet that its Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Akani Shaibu, raised concerns about increasing pipeline vandalism during a recent visit to the 6 Division Headquarters at the Port Harcourt Barracks in Rivers State. In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army described the report as “misleading” and “malicious,” urging the public to disregard assertions that the COAS sounded an alarm over alleged rising oil infrastructure sabotage. The rebuttal underlines both the Army’s commitment to accurate reporting and the ongoing operational efforts in the Niger Delta region.
During his first operational visit to the 6 Division’s area of responsibility on January 9, 2026, Lieutenant General Shaibu addressed troops and reiterated their pivotal role in safeguarding critical national infrastructure, particularly in respect of the nation’s economic stability and security. He told assembled officers and soldiers that their work directly influences national economic performance and must be undertaken with discipline, commitment and professionalism. Contrary to the depiction in some reports, he did not frame these remarks as an alarm over worsening vandalism but as a recognition of the importance of their duties.
In his address, General Shaibu highlighted the essential nature of the troops’ mandate, stressing that effective protection of Nigeria’s critical national infrastructure has positive implications for the country’s economy. He encouraged personnel to take their responsibilities seriously, maintain discipline and dedication, and assured them that their welfare remains a priority. He cited ongoing efforts to improve accommodation and other basic services for soldiers and their families, underscoring the Army leadership’s focus on improving conditions that contribute to operational effectiveness.
Addressing the troops further, the Chief of Army Staff explained that his rotational visits to formations nationwide are designed to provide firsthand insights into operational readiness and challenges facing personnel. He said that such engagements enable the Army leadership to identify and promptly address issues that could impede the effectiveness of operations. Several concerns raised by commanders during the Port Harcourt visit were acted on immediately, including steps to enhance living conditions within the barracks.
While rejecting the pipeline vandalism narrative attributed to him, General Shaibu also reinforced the strategic imperative of securing critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta. Security outlets reported that he urged troops to intensify efforts in protecting such assets to support sustained crude oil production and national revenue generation. He said that diligent security around these installations would contribute to economic stability and growth, anchoring national prosperity to operational success in the field.
The Army’s rebuttal comes amid heightened sensitivity over fake news and misinformation, particularly in Nigeria’s dynamic media ecosystem. Army authorities have in recent days also cautioned the public about fraudulent social media accounts impersonating high-ranking military officials, including the COAS, warning that these platforms are often used to deceive, solicit funds or spread false narratives. Members of the public have been urged to exercise caution, avoid engaging with such accounts, and report suspicious activity to relevant authorities.
The official clarification underscores a broader institutional effort to maintain transparency and accountability while safeguarding the credibility of the military’s public communication. The Army leadership’s stance reflects an understanding of the challenges posed by misinformation, which can erode public trust and distort perceptions of security developments on the ground. By directly addressing the alleged misrepresentation, the Nigerian Army aims to reassure citizens of its commitment to truth and propriety.
Analysts say that the Niger Delta continues to be a focal point of security operations due to its vital contribution to Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy. Pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft have historically undermined production and revenue, prompting concerted efforts by the military and other security agencies to clamp down on such activities. While the Army’s recent clarification stresses commendable security efforts yielding positive results, it also implicitly highlights the ongoing challenges in fully securing extensive oil infrastructure across the region.
On the ground, troops of the 6 Division have been active in operations aimed at stabilizing the Niger Delta and supporting sustainable economic activities. These operations include routine patrols, collaboration with local communities for intelligence-sharing and integrated security responses with other agencies. The Army’s public messaging during the COAS visit emphasized professionalism and the need for cohesive action to maintain peace and facilitate development.
General Shaibu’s leadership philosophy, often articulated as placing a premium on troop welfare alongside operational excellence, appears to be central to his engagements since assuming command. His address in Port Harcourt reiterated that quality education for soldiers’ children and the expansion of accommodation facilities are key priorities within his agenda, aiming to boost morale and enhance the overall welfare of the force.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Army’s clarification on the COAS’s remarks serves as both a rebuttal to what it considers inaccurate media narratives and a reaffirmation of its operational focus. The Army’s leadership continues to advocate for disciplined, committed and conscientious conduct by troops, emphasizing that safeguarding national assets and supporting economic activities remain core components of military duties in the Niger Delta. It has also called on communities to support security efforts through credible intelligence sharing, underscoring the importance of cooperation between civilians and security agencies in addressing economic sabotage.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments