Shaibu expressed the concern while charging operatives of the Nigerian Army to tighten security around key national assets in the region, following renewed threats to oil pipelines and other installations that support the country’s crude oil production and revenue.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has raised concerns over the rising incidents of vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta, warning that continued attacks on critical infrastructure pose serious risks to Nigeria’s economy.
Shaibu expressed the concern while charging operatives of the Nigerian Army to tighten security around key national assets in the region, following renewed threats to oil pipelines and other installations that support the country’s crude oil production and revenue.
He spoke on Friday while addressing troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port-Harcourt during his maiden visit to the formation.
According to him, the growing cases of pipeline vandalism and oil theft underscore the urgent need for heightened vigilance by troops tasked with safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
Shaibu stressed that protecting these assets is a core responsibility of the military, noting that any lapse could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economy.
“Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country.
“So you need to take your job very seriously, be disciplined, committed and dedicated to the mandate of this division. While you do that, be assured I will take care of your welfare issues, which is top most priorities.
"Some of the challenges raised by your Commanders were addressed immediately, for instance, the issue of accommodation, we have approved construction of additional accommodation, the renovation of certain quarters and the completion of some ongoing projects.”
He added, “Once this is done, it will go a long way in mitigating some of the accommodation challenges that are here.
“In terms of quality education for your children, that is all being looked into, and in turn, we expect you to do your job consciously. So listen to your officers, they will guide you, and they will lead you right.
“Normally, I go round various Divisions to see officers and men and interact with them, and to ensure how their combat readiness is. So I’m here in the 6 Division area of responsibility for my maiden operational visit to see what the troops are doing, to look at their challenges and see how we can address them so that they can go about doing their jobs seriously."
Shaibu further assured the troops that some of the challenges raised during the visit would be promptly addressed.
”I have looked at some of the challenges they have raised; some were addressed immediately, others will be addressed immediately we get to Abuja.
“I want you to continue to do your jobs consciously. Your jobs around here involve the protection of critical national infrastructure, which impacts our own economy, so once you do your job very well, everything will be fine.”