Why Oil Theft, Kidnapping Persist in Niger Delta, by Badaru

The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubabar, said proliferation of small arms and light weapons were a major cause of oil theft, illegal oil refining and kidnapping in the Niger Delta region.

He said crude oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil were serious crimes against Nigeria and Nigerians.

The Minister spoke on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar 2024 organised 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 emphasised the need for decisive action to combat the menace in the Niger Delta region.

Badaru stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to curtail oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil, and restore normalcy to affected communities.

He said: “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.”

The Minister commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to national security, and acknowledged the sacrifices of the Nigerian military and other agencies in tackling insecurity in Nigeria. 

He said the significant increase in crude oil production was as a result of the efforts of the Nigerian military, adding that the success was due to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on security of the nation.

The Minister commended AANDEC for bringing the issues of security of the Niger Delta region to the forefront.

He said with these efforts the country would achieve the desired national objective of curtailing oil theft and improving its revenue.