Nigeria’s military high command has reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s critical national assets, following recent explosions on crude oil pipelines in Rivers State.
Major-General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not “fold its arms” and allow individuals or groups to destroy vital infrastructure.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, he emphasized the military’s role in safeguarding oil installations in the Niger Delta, adding that field commanders were actively investigating the recent incidents.
“It would be prejudicial for me to tell you this is the outcome of their findings, while they have not formulated their findings,” he said, regarding the pipeline explosions. “I want to tell you that there is no doubt the military will not hold their hands and allow some of our critical infrastructures to be destroyed by criminals. That is why they are there, to protect those critical infrastructures.”
Major-General Kangye also reported that troops of Operation Delta Safe had foiled oil theft activities in the South-South region, recovering approximately 461.7 million Naira worth of stolen crude oil in the past week.
He detailed the recovery of 247,629 litres of stolen crude oil and 198,374 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, along with the destruction of numerous illegal refining sites and equipment.
“Furthermore, 17 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition as well as one extra magazine were also recovered,” he said.
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