By Augustine Ehikioya
To tackle illegal oil bunkering activities in the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has charged Officers and soldiers of 6 Division Nigerian Army to square up with oil thieves, who are sabotaging the country’s economy.
He gave the charge at the Headquarters of the Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State while addressing troops, during an operational tour of the Division’s Area of Responsibility AOR) on Monday 7 March, 2022.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
General Yahaya, while describing the oil and gas sector as the mainstay of the country’s economy, noted that the activities of illegal oil bunkerers and refiners are inimical to the economy of the nation.
He said that the troops “must confront all forms of oil theft and associated crimes with renewed vigor and resolve.”
Stressing that some elements will test the troops’ will and resolve, he encouraged them to be “steadfast and tackle such elements headlong.”
He lauded the troops’ commitment and sacrifice for operating in a difficult and environmentally hazardous terrain.
Gen Yahaya admonished the troops not to betray the trust reposed in them by the nation to protect the oil and gas sector.
He added that they must “remain apolitical and steer clear of political activism.”
The Army Chief assured them that competence and diligence will be rewarded, while indolence and untoward behaviour will be punished.
Towards improving the welfare of personnel and their families, the COAS commissioned newly remodeled accommodation Quarters for 6 Division Regimental Sergent Major (RSM).
The statement said “In the same vein, the COAS also commissioned 29 Battalion Medical Reception Station (MRS), newly constructed in partnership with Keves Global Leasing Ltd, the Battalion Motor Transport Yard, Refurbished Vehicles, and newly built 29 Battalion Soldiers’ Club.”
The Army Chief was accompanied on the tour by the Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Olufemi Akinjobi; the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Olufemi Oluyede; the Provost Marshal (Army), Major General Robert Aiyenigba; the Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General Ibrahim Salihu and the Chief of Staff to COAS, Brigadier General Aminu Umar.