To prevent crude oil theft in the nation, the Federal Government has purchased eight gunboats.
This came as it ordered security personnel to crack down on oil thieves and vandals who were undermining the country’s economy.
Inaugurating the gunboats purchased for use by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola made these remarks.
The NSCDC was instructed by the Minister to work with other security agencies to put an end to the plague, according to a statement from the Minister’s media adviser, Sola Fasure.
Part of the statement commented on those who steal crude oil not only deprive the nation of much-needed funds, but they also resell the stolen items at steep discounts much below market value. The illegal market drives down the official price by causing an oversupply. As a result, they have exposed Nigeria to the risk of both revenue loss and a decline in product value.
The President has provided the means and the mandate to bring the conflict to them. Hence, the Federal Government is making sufficient efforts to equip essential security organizations, including the NSCDC, which is the principal organization in charge of protecting vital infrastructure and assets, as a move in this direction.
The Minister went on to say that the government is aware of the risks that crude oil theft poses to the nation and that it is estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
According to the most recent estimate, oil thieves and vandals steal billions of dollars. There can be no denying that the Federal Government is devoted and motivated to stop the oil theft problem that is blindly draining the economy and causing a decline in government revenue. As a result of this unhealthful development, areas, where crude and refined goods were released into the environment by damaged pipes, have also experienced environmental pollution and other health risks.
Additionally, Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the NSCDC, proclaimed the Corps ready to stop pipeline vandalism and resource theft in the country.
