Published by Osasere Edomwonyi Ikpoba
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged a sustained partnership with the Nigerian Army to combat economic sabotage in the state, declaring that his administration will not tolerate the activities of oil thieves, pipeline vandals, and other criminal elements undermining the state's economy. The governor made the commitment during a working visit to the Headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, where he commended the military for its ongoing efforts to secure critical national assets and restore peace in the Niger Delta region.
Governor Fubara, accompanied by top government officials, inspected some of the equipment and facilities at the division's headquarters and was briefed on the military's operations in the state. He expressed satisfaction with the level of collaboration between the state government and the Army, particularly in the areas of pipeline surveillance, anti-oil theft operations, and the fight against illegal bunkering. The governor described economic sabotage as a grave threat to the nation's economy and reiterated his administration's determination to work closely with security agencies to address the menace.
"I am here to assure you of our continued partnership and support. We will not relent in our efforts to tackle economic sabotage in Rivers State. The activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals have caused enormous damage to our environment, deprived our people of resources, and undermined the economy of this state and the nation at large," Fubara said. He commended the officers and men of the 6 Division for their professionalism and sacrifice, noting that their efforts had contributed to a significant reduction in oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the state. The governor also pledged to provide the necessary logistical and operational support to enhance the military's capacity to carry out its duties effectively.
The General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, thanked the governor for the visit and reaffirmed the military's commitment to securing critical national assets and supporting the government's efforts to combat economic sabotage. He briefed the governor on the division's ongoing operations, including the recent successes recorded in the fight against illegal refining and oil theft. Abdussalam noted that the partnership with the state government had been instrumental in the military's achievements and expressed optimism that the collaboration would be further strengthened.
The visit comes at a time when the Niger Delta region is grappling with a resurgence of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, activities that have led to significant revenue losses for the Federal Government and environmental degradation in the region. According to reports, Nigeria loses billions of naira monthly to oil theft and illegal bunkering, with the Niger Delta bearing the brunt of the environmental and economic impact. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has repeatedly expressed concern over the scale of oil theft, describing it as a threat to the nation's energy security and economic stability.
In recent months, security agencies have intensified operations against oil thieves and pipeline vandals across the Niger Delta, resulting in the arrest of several suspects and the destruction of illegal refining sites. The military has also launched joint operations with other security agencies to secure oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines, flow stations, and export terminals. Despite these efforts, the challenge persists, with criminal networks constantly adapting their tactics to evade detection and continue their illicit activities.
Governor Fubara's pledge to sustain the partnership with the Army reflects his administration's recognition of the critical role security agencies play in ensuring the stability and prosperity of the state. The governor, who assumed office in May 2023, has made the fight against economic sabotage a key priority of his administration, recognising that oil theft and pipeline vandalism not only deprive the state of revenue but also contribute to insecurity and environmental degradation in communities across the Niger Delta.
The collaboration between the state government and the military is also part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of insecurity in the Niger Delta, including youth unemployment, poverty, and the lack of economic opportunities in the region. The governor has previously announced plans to engage youth in productive activities and provide alternative livelihoods to reduce their involvement in illegal activities. The state government has also partnered with federal agencies and international development partners to implement programmes aimed at promoting sustainable development and peace in the region.
The security situation in Rivers State has been relatively stable in recent months, but the threat of oil theft and pipeline vandalism remains significant. The state is home to several major oil and gas facilities, including the Port Harcourt Refining Company and the Bonny Export Terminal, which are critical to Nigeria's oil and gas industry. The protection of these assets is essential to the nation's economy, and the partnership between the state government and the military is crucial to ensuring their security.
As Governor Fubara continues to engage with security agencies and stakeholders in the Niger Delta, the message is clear: economic sabotage will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face the full weight of the law. The sustained partnership with the Army represents a significant step towards securing the state's economy and ensuring that the resources of the Niger Delta benefit the people who live in the region. For the residents of Rivers State, the governor's commitment offers hope that the scourge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism can be overcome, paving the way for a more prosperous and peaceful future.
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