Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged the troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe to eliminate crude oil theft and related activities, noting that crude oil production has improved from about 1.5 million to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day.
During his maiden visit to the Headquarters in Bayelsa State, the Minister commended the troops for demobilizing 1,129 illegal refineries since February 2024 and praised their sustained fight against oil theft and other criminal activities. “Crude oil production has risen to about 1.7 million barrels per day, and I’m confident it will reach around 2 million bpd by December 2024 and approximately 2.5 million barrels by mid-next year,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure, particularly the daily pipelines that transport crude oil. He lauded the troops’ renewed determination and commitment to fighting economic sabotage, oil theft, and illegal refineries.
Rear Admiral J.U. Okeke, Commandant of the Headquarters Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe, reported an 85% drop in crude oil theft and illegal refinery activities during Q2 and Q3 of 2024, resulting in increased crude oil output from about 1.5 million bpd in June to approximately 1.7 million bpd by September.
While addressing the troops, the Minister expressed his satisfaction with their operations so far and assured them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is proud of their efforts, despite the challenging terrain. He thanked the troops for their courage and dedication, urging them to push further until the desired results are achieved.
