The Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede have been commended for sustaining operations against oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta region.
Residents and stakeholders in the region who gave the commendation described the effort as crucial to boosting national revenue and addressing long-standing environmental challenges in the region.
The commendation followed rallies organised on Thursday and Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by the Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum, where community leaders and concerned residents voiced support for ongoing military actions targeting crude oil theft and artisanal refining.
Speaking at the rallies, the Forum’s Convener, Inko-Tariah Micheal, praised the CDS and the Armed Forces for what he described as their unwavering commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure and restoring order across the Niger Delta.
Micheal said the renewed anti-oil theft campaign had led to a noticeable reduction in crude oil losses, improved government revenue, and mitigated environmental pollution associated with illegal bunkering activities.
“The renewed commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Nigerian military is yielding positive results,” he said. “Beyond boosting oil production and revenue, these operations are helping to keep the Niger Delta environment cleaner and safer for our people.”
Participants at the rallies observed that declining incidents of oil spills and soot pollution in some communities were early signs of the environmental benefits of the operations. They stressed the need for sustained collaboration between host communities and security agencies to ensure lasting peace and environmental protection.
