From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said its air operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region have led to the destruction of over 70 illegal refining sites and about 80 overhead tanks.
Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, who made this known, said the feat was recorded by the air component under Operation Delta Safe.
Abubakar stayed this while hosting the National Coordinator of Messrs New Guard Security and Consulting Limited, Major-General Jamil Sarham (retd.) and his entourage at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
The NAF chief, speaking on the state of oil production in Nigeria, emphasized the severe negative impact of oil theft and pipeline vandalism on Nigeria’s oil output, which have led to a significant decline in crude oil production and substantial revenue losses to the nation.
He also noted the environmental consequences of the illegal activities, which have led to air pollution and waterway contamination, with attendant effects on aquatic life and agriculture. It was in response to these challenges, he continued, that the Armed Forces were mandated to eradicate the scourge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region, with the aim of boosting oil production output.
The NAF chief also spoke of the service’s role in combating illegal oil theft through Operation Delta Safe, particularly in the last 12 months. He 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.” He added that, in bolstering these efforts, some newly inducted platforms have been deployed to the region and beyond to enable the NAF to cover more ground as it liaises with other security agencies in degrading the activities of criminals in the region.
While congratulating Sarham and his team on their appointment as the new project management office contractor, Abubakar commended the team’s exceptional military background, expressing optimism that their collaboration with security agencies in addressing the challenges of crude oil theft would add bite to the ongoing efforts. He then concluded by noting that the visit lays a solid foundation for greater cooperation and synergy between the NAF and New Guard Security with potential positive impacts on Nigeria’s national defense and security. In all, the visit marked a pivotal step towards enhancing the security of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and addressing the economic and environmental challenges posed by oil theft.
Other members of the entourage were head of operations, Rear Admiral Akano Adesope (retd.), head of Intelligence and Strategy, Brigadier General Nasiru Najaja (retd.), head, Field Operations, Brig-Gen. Innocent Olotta (retd.), head, Strategy and Planning, Brig-Gen. Idam Aghachi (retd.), head, Human Resources and Strategic Communications, Brig-Gen. Aminu Iliya (retd.), and head, Finance and Accounts, Lieutenant Colonel Christy Musa (retd.), among others.