The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to crude oil thieves, declaring that their days are numbered. In a decisive statement on Friday, General Musa affirmed the military’s commitment to cracking down on oil theft and ensuring Nigeria meets its crude oil production target of 2.1 million barrels per day.
“For the criminals, those that are hell-bent on stealing our infrastructure, stealing our crude for whatever reasons, their days are numbered. They should be rest assured that we are coming after them,” General Musa stated, addressing journalists after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest oil producers, has been battling a persistent oil theft problem for over two decades. The country loses an estimated 200,000 barrels of oil per day to theft, equating to about 10% of its daily production. This widespread issue is primarily attributed to pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering, where oil is siphoned off and sold on the black market.
In a related development, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has reassured Nigerians of enhanced security measures, noting a decline in the crime rate across the nation. Egbetokun’s statement came just days before a planned nationwide protest against insecurity and the ongoing food crisis.
Following a presentation of security briefs and commendation from President Tinubu, Egbetokun highlighted the president’s directive for improved synergy among various security formations. He credited the decline in crime rates to the effective coordination and strategies implemented by security agencies, pledging to sustain efforts to maintain this positive trend.
“The effective collaboration between security agencies has significantly contributed to the reduction in crime rates,” Egbetokun stated. “We are committed to sustaining these efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.”
As the government intensifies its fight against crude oil theft and strives to enhance national security, Nigerians await the tangible impacts of these renewed efforts on the nation’s stability and economic well-being.
