Federal Government through the defence minister Intensifies Efforts Against Oil Bunkering in Niger Delta
In a decisive move to combat the rampant illegal oil refining activities plaguing Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar recently embarked on a significant tour of one such illegal site.
Accompanied by troops and officers of the Nigerian Army, the minister visited the creeks of Asari-Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating environmental impact and economic sabotage inflicted by these illicit operations.
During the visit, Abubakar expressed profound shock at the extent of the destruction, characterizing the illegal refineries as a dire menace that must be eradicated. “I have seen how our gallant officers are working very hard despite the tough terrain to get to those illegal refineries and dismantle them,” he stated, reflecting on the daunting challenges faced by military personnel in their quest to dismantle these operations.
The minister noted that this was his first encounter with such sites, which further underscored the urgency of the situation.
The visit came as part of renewed efforts by the Nigerian Army to clamp down on economic sabotage and illegal oil bunkering activities that have long plagued the region.
Abubakar acknowledged the arduous task at hand, citing that the site he toured was the 67th illegal refinery dismantled by Battalion 103. “From what I learnt, this is number 67 in this Battalion 103 and the other formations are doing their best also. So it is a continuous process, and they have assured me that they will end these illegal refineries’ operations in no distant future,” he affirmed.
The Defence Minister lauded the military personnel for their dedication and resilience in the face of significant obstacles. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the fight against illegal oil bunkering, urging local communities to actively participate in intelligence gathering to assist the military in their operations.
“They are to continue to give us intelligence that will help us stop this; it is very, very important for us to come back to producing 2.3 million to 2.5 million barrels a day for the economic development and prosperity of this nation,” he asserted.
The illegal refining of crude oil has long been a thorn in the side of Nigeria’s economy, leading to substantial revenue losses and severe environmental degradation. The operation of these refineries not only impacts the country’s oil production capabilities but also poses significant risks to the health and livelihoods of local communities.
The environmental toll of illegal refining includes the contamination of land and water sources, contributing to adverse health effects among residents and threatening biodiversity.
As the Defence Minister continues to rally support for the military’s efforts, the region, once a thriving hub of oil production, has seen a significant decline in output due to the proliferation of illegal refineries and other forms of economic sabotage.
The commitment to dismantling illegal oil refineries aligns with broader national goals aimed at enhancing the country’s oil production capacity, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
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