Why crude oil theft persists in Niger Delta – Defence Minister

Minister of Defence, Abubabar Badaru, says activities of oil thieves, illegal crude oil refiners and kidnappers have continued in the Niger Delta region because of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Badaru argued that crude oil theft and illegal crude oil refining are serious crimes against the nation, economy and the citizenry, saying the government would not tolerate such crimes and the big sticks would be wielded against perpetrators.

The Minister stated these in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar 2024 organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College.

Daily Trust reports that the seminar serves as a platform for addressing critical National Security issues and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Speaking on the theme of the Seminar: “Curbing oil theft and illegal crude oil Refining in Nigeria”, Badaru emphasized the need for decisive action to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, and kidnappings.

He stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to end these activities and restore normalcy to affected communities.

“We must continue to broaden the use of appropriate technology in warfare to enhance our situational awareness and execution. These are essential to ensuring that life in the Niger Delta, especially the host communities, return to normalcy,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the survival of any country depends largely on its ability to confront any security threat.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, Chief of Training and Operations, the CDS noted that in recent times, the global security environment has become more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, requiring more resilience and dynamic approach to address.

He added that the security challenges Nigeria had dealt with over the years have negatively impacted the social, economic and other issues on citizens.

According to him, these challenges include terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, transnational crimes and other social vices.