By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false a report alleging that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, raised alarm over rising pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
In a statement late Sunday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the Sahara Reporters publication titled “Nigerian Army Chief Raises Alarm over Rising Pipeline Vandalism in Niger Delta” as misleading and a misrepresentation of facts.
According to the Army, the COAS did not express concern or raise any alarm on pipeline vandalism during his operational visit to the Headquarters of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, on Friday, 9 January 2025.
Colonel Anele said the visit was part of the COAS’ routine engagements to assess combat readiness, interact with troops, and address operational and welfare issues.
She added that Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure and assured personnel of improved welfare, including approval for additional accommodation and renovation of existing facilities.
The Army noted that security indicators across the Niger Delta show sustained success in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism, contributing to continued oil and gas exploration activities in the region.
It cautioned media organisations against publishing unverified reports and urged the public to disregard narratives aimed at undermining ongoing security efforts, while calling on residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
