…As troops efforts raise crude oil production from 1.5 m to 1.7m barrels per day
The minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has charged troops under the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe to completely eradicate crude oil theft and other criminal activities in order to further improve crude oil production that has hit 1.7 million barrels per day from 1.5 million barrels.
He observed that efforts of the security agencies have brought about production increase from about 1.5 million to about 1.7 barrels per dayand stressed the need to further improve upon it.
A statement by Ministry of Defence spokesperson Henshaw Ogubike stated that the minister gave the charge when he visited the Headquarters of Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe in Bayelsa State
The minister commended the troops for demobilising 1,129 illegal refineries from February 2024 till date and praised their sustained fight against oil theft and other criminalities.
“Crude oil production has risen to about 1.7 million barrels per day , and I’m confident it will reach about 2m Bpd by December 2024 and to about 2.5 million barrels by middle of next year” he said.
The minister emphasized the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure and the pipelines which transports barrels of crude oil daily. He praised the troops’ renewed determination and commitment to fighting economic sabotage, oil theft, and illegal refineries.
Rear Admiral JU Okeke, Commandant of Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, reported an 85% drop in crude oil theft and illegal refineries activities in Q2 and Q3 2024, resulting in increased crude oil output from about 1.5 million bpd in June to about 1.7 million bpd in September.
Furthermore, the minister while addressing the troops expressed happiness with their operations so far and conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appreciation for troops’ efforts despite challenging terrain. He thanked them for their courage , dedication and urged them “to do more until we get the desired result.”