Over 70 illegal refining sites and about 80 overhead tanks have been destroyed by air strikes undertaken by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft under Operation Delta Safe in the past 3 months.
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar disclosed this while hosting the Chief Executive Officer of Messrs New Guard Security and Consulting Limited, Major-General Jamil Sarham (Rtd) and his entourage at NAF Headquarters.
A statement by Director of Information and Public Relations, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet stated that CAS revealed this while speaking on the current state of oil production in Nigeria.
Air Marshal Abubakar 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 these illegal activities, which have led to air pollution and waterway contamination with attendant effect 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 vandalization in the Niger Delta Region, with the aim of boosting oil production output.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar gave a summary of NAF’s robust involvement in combating illegal oil theft through Operation Delta Safe, particularly in the last 12 months.
According to him, “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 also added that in bolstering these efforts, some newly inducted platforms have recently been deployed to the region and beyond so as to enable the NAF to cover more grounds as it liaises with other security agencies in degrading the activities of these criminals in the region.
While congratulating Major General Sarham (Rtd) and his team, on their appointment as the new Project Management Office Contractor, the CAS lauded 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.
In response, Maj Gen Jamil Sarham (Rtd) expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his team. He commended the CAS for the exceptional work the NAF is doing for the nation.
The CEO highlighted the unique capabilities of the NAF, noting that it is the only force capable of effectively addressing the challenges in the Niger Delta region due to its superior aerial surveillance. He emphasized that his private security company aims to complement the vital efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). Recognizing the commendable work of the AFN, he explained that they decided to pay this courtesy visit. He also sought the cooperation of the NAF in their role as a Project Management Office (PMO) in the security industry.
Other members of the entourage include Head of Operations, Rear Admiral Akano Adesope (Rtd), Head of Intelligence and Strategy, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Nasiru Najaja (Rtd), Head Field Operations, Brig Gen Innocent Olotta (Rtd), Head Strategy and Planning, Brig Gen Idam Aghachi (Rtd), Head Human Resources and Strategic Communications, Brig Gen Aminu Iliya (Rtd) and Head Finance and Accounts, Lieutenant Colonel Christy Musa (Rtd), among others.