In the last three months, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed 70 illicit refineries and 80 overhead tanks through air attacks.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, stated this on Wednesday, July 31, while hosting the National Coordinator of Messrs New Guard Security and Consulting Limited, Maj-Gen Jamil Sarham (rtd), at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking on the current situation of Nigerian oil production, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the significant negative impact of oil theft and pipeline vandalism on Nigerian oil output, which he claimed has resulted in a drop in crude oil production and income losses for the country.
He said President Bola Tinubu ordered the military to exterminate the disease in response to these incidents.
He also said : “Over the past year, the NAF has conducted 463 sorties in 560 flight hours and expended 175,000 litres of Jet A-1 fuel in air operations over the Niger Delta region.”
According to the air chief, the NAF has strengthened these efforts by deploying recently acquired platforms to the area.
This would allow the NAF to extend its reach and coordinate with other security agencies to weaken the activities of criminals operating in the region.
He thanked General Sarham and his team on their appointment, noting that the team’s great military background and collaboration with security agencies in solving the difficulties of crude oil theft will strengthen the ongoing efforts.
Why this matters
Crude oil theft has significant economic implications for Nigeria, as it results in substantial revenue losses for the government. Strengthening efforts to combat this issue can help increase government revenue, improve budgetary stability, and ensure that more resources are available for development and public services.
Bottom Line
While the appointment is a positive step, the team will face significant challenges in addressing entrenched networks of oil thieves and overcoming potential resistance from vested interests. Success will depend on their ability to implement effective measures, maintain transparency, and adapt to evolving threats.
General Sarham’s military background and his team’s experience are crucial assets in combating crude oil theft, a complex issue involving organized crime, corruption, and security challenges. Their expertise in security operations can enhance the effectiveness of strategies to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and reduce theft.
