Army Chief Commends Division for Successfully Combating Oil Theft and Illegal Refining

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division’s operational gains in 2024 have been credited by Major General Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba, Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation (CASE), with reducing environmental degradation and oil theft.

According to him, the division’s achievements caused the nation’s crude oil production output to rise significantly from 1.4 million barrels per day to nearly 2 million.

Major General Aiyenigba made the claim on Friday at the Python Officers’ Mess, Port Harcourt Barracks, during the Regimental Dinner Night organized by Headquarters 6 Division.

The event’s Special Guest of Honor, Major General Aiyenigba, further confirmed that the army’s achievements had enhanced the country’s economy by generating more oil revenue.

Nonetheless, he gave the Division his word that Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), will continue to support them in order to maintain the progress made thus far.

Major General Aiyenigba said he was happy to have seen such a fortunate occasion at a top military formation like 6 Division and underlined that Dinner Night was one of the crucial elements of military regimentation.

“I am happy to witness such a fortunate event in an elite military formation like the 6 Division,” he remarked. As a result, I am delighted to see that the Division is upholding this heritage, which is essential to enhancing the Service’s professionalism and esprit de corps. The General Officer Commanding’s determination to set the stage for a fruitful and fulfilling year for 6 Division in 2025 is demonstrated by the way the year began.

Additionally, I am impressed by the Division’s efforts to promote unity and camaraderie among officers, as well as amongst our beloved spouses, sister Services, Division friends, and the Nigerian Army, through this medium. The large number of officers and spouses, officers from sister services and security agencies, traditional leaders, and members of the larger Port Harcourt community who attended this important event is a fitting example of this. It is sufficient to say that this is consistent with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which places a high value on productive collaboration in a joint and multi-agency setting.

At this point, it’s critical to recognize the noteworthy operational achievements made by 6 Division in 2024, which resulted in a notable decrease in illegal refining, oil theft, and the pollution it causes to the environment, among other things. Due to these factors, Nigeria’s oil production output has increased from less than one million barrels per day to about two million barrels per day.

He added that he was especially pleased with the Division’s maintenance of the long-standing military custom that is essential to fostering professionalism and esprit-de-corps within the Service.

Major General Aiyenigba noted that the occasion also fostered comradeship and solidarity among the officers, their spouses, other security agencies and friends of the Division, expressing happiness over the turnout of security agencies, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders.

According to the Army chief, the event demonstrated the Chief of Army Staff’s concept, which places a high value on efficient collaboration in a joint and multiagency setting.

Major General Aiyenigba commended the Patron of Python Officers’ Mess, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, who is the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division for the stellar leadership he has provided in the Division.

He added that he appreciated the lavish meals, the calm atmosphere, and the well-organized regimental activities conducted, and he praised the Python Officers’ Mess and the President Mess Committee for his leadership.

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In his vote of thanks, Brigadier General Sàni Ahmed, Commander of the 6 Division Garrison and the President Mess Committee (PMC), thanked the CASE, traditional leaders, industry captains, and other invited guests for making the event special and promising ongoing collaboration with important stakeholders.

“I have just one simple yet crucial task to on behalf of the GOC, officers and men of 6 Division express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this evening possible.

“First, I must most sincerely thank the SGOH for finding time away from the heavy schedules of the Headquarters to grace this night. Sir, we are highly honoured. We pledge to maintain the standard in all we do and uphold regimentation and professionalism in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

“To the retired senior officers in our midst, the Royal Fathers, friends of the formation and distinguished guests, thank you for joining us tonight. Your presence has honoured us, and we’re delighted to have shared this evening with you.

We are grateful for your company, family members. To the organizing committee, your hard work and dedication have paid off, Tonight has been an unforgettable experience, and we are grateful for your tireless efforts.

”To the caterers, thank you for the sumptuous courses and drinks.”

Major highlights of the event were presentation of souvenirs to the Special Guest of Honour by the Patron, conduct of band and red carpet photograph session among other attractions.