Security chiefs have harmonised their strategies toward clearing the Niger Delta of crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements fleecing the country.
The decision followed the directive by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that crude exploration and exploitation in the oil-rich region must be made seamless and lives protected.
The security chiefs, who met with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari in Abuja yesterday, declared an integrated battle plan under a joint task force.
They sought the understanding of Niger Delta communities in carrying out the presidential directive.
Speaking to reporters, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, said: “We know that Nigeria relies so much on what we can produce. We appeal to the communities to have an understanding.
“Yes, we know trust has been a problem, but they can trust us, they can trust the government that we want to do things differently.
“Everyone will be carried along, everyone has a role to play; it is not only for the security agencies alone.
“We need the communities to understand that pipeline vandalism and all the hazards being caused are also affecting them directly and we need to stop that.
“I can assure you within the next shortest possible time, you will see results.’’
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said the security services and agencies agreed at the meeting that all must come together to solve the problems inhibiting oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta.
