Nigeria’s military chief, General Christopher Musa, has restated his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s aim of increasing Nigeria’s crude oil output to 2.2 million barrels per day by December 2024.
On Wednesday, General Musa visited Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and disclosed the creation of two important committees: the Defence Joint Monitoring Team and the Defence Joint Intelligence Infusion Centre. These committees are tasked with collaborating with other military units and state governments to tackle the ongoing issue of oil theft.
General Musa outlined that the committees, which include representatives from state governments, were set up to address operational shortcomings identified in the efforts to combat crude oil theft.
“To achieve the mandate given by the Commander-in-Chief, we need to change our approach,” Musa stated.
He explained that while Operation Delta Safe ensures coordination between security forces under the Joint Task Force, the Monitoring Team’s role is to identify weaknesses and suggest ways to address operational shortcomings.
He elaborated that the Infusion Centre will centralise intelligence on oil theft and other criminal activities, ensuring prompt action to uphold peace and security in the region.
General Musa lauded Governor Fubara for fostering a peaceful environment in Rivers State, remarking that this has enabled the Armed Forces to carry out their duties unhindered.
In response, Governor Fubara affirmed his administration’s dedication to combatting oil theft. He also acknowledged the achievements made under his leadership and embraced the increased involvement of the government in the Niger Delta through the newly constituted Monitoring Team.