Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, has opined that the activities of oil theft, illegal crude oil refining and kidnapping are aided by proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Niger Delta.
The Minister noted that crude oil theft and illegal crude oil refining were serious crimes against the nation, economy and the citizenry, and government will not tolerate such crimes.
Abubakar made the observation while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar 2024 organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme of the Seminar: “Curbing oil theft and illegal crude oil Refining in Nigeria” Badaru emphasized the need for decisive action to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, and kidnappings in the country.
He stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to end these activities and restore normalcy to affected communities.
“We must continue to broaden the use of appropriate technology in warfare to enhance our situation awareness and execution. These are essential to ensuring that life in the Niger Delta, especially the host communities, return to normalcy,” he said.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national security, he also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other agencies in tackling insecurity in the country.
The Minister further opined that the significant increase in crude oil production was as a result of the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He acknowledged the support of President Tinubu towards the Armed Forces, saying that the successes recorded was as a result of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on security of the nation.