FG Determined To Put End To Crude Oil Theft – Sylva

The federal government says it is committed to halting the economic damage caused by illicit refineries, pipeline vandalism, and crude oil theft throughout the country.

Chief Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, stated this on Wednesday in Bonny Island, Rivers, while speaking to officers from the 146 Battalion and other security agencies involved in the battle against oil theft.

With the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, and Group Managing Director, NNPC, Malam Mele Kyari, among other dignitaries, Sylva went on an evaluation trip of various illicit mining sites in the Niger Delta area stream.

Read Also:  OAU VC: Protesters, Don’t Take Laws Into Your Hands, Ooni Warns

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the illicit operations to cease and had requested an evaluation of the damage caused by the criminals’ actions.

“You are here on a mission,” Sylva told the commanders of the 146 Battalion. “I applaud you for all the outstanding job you have done, our nation depends on this asset to exist, oil and gas is one of the country’s primary sustaining assets.”

“Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of instability surrounding oil installations and pipelines, which cannot be tolerated any longer.” Mr. President has ordered that this be put to an end.

“As courageous officers, you have come to defend these facilities; from now on, we will work closely with you to guarantee that no output is lost.”

“You have done so well so far,” the Minister said, “but there is still ground to cover, so let us all work together and protect these national assets for the good of all.” The Minister added that the final solution to the problem required three elements: community involvement, government security, and operating companies.

“We are here to reclaim this business for the country because the country has lost so much from the operations of these criminals and the government can no longer afford these activities,” Sylva said, determined to put an end to instability in the industry.

Maj.-Gen.Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Defence Staff, also spoke out, stating that the evaluation was required due to the economic losses in the oil and gas industry.

Irabor stated that the economic losses were enormous, and that the country’s economy was presently bleeding.

Read Also:  Group demands public apology from Bianca’s for assaulting Mrs. Obiano i

He charged the 146 battalion, “We encourage you to correct the trend.”

Our goal, according to the CDS, is to look at the value chain inside the oil and gas industry and apprehend the genuine criminals as well as those who help them.