Residents of the Niger Delta have commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede, for their sustained anti-oil theft operations, describing the crusade as critical to boosting national oil revenue and addressing persistent environmental challenges in the region.
The commendation was made during rallies organised on Thursday and Friday by the Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where stakeholders and concerned residents gathered to express support for ongoing military efforts against oil theft and illegal refining.
Speaking at the rallies, Inko-Tariah Micheal, Convener of the Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum, praised the CDS and the Nigerian military for their unwavering commitment to protecting oil and gas infrastructure and restoring sanity to the Niger Delta.
According to him, the anti-oil theft crusade has significantly contributed to reducing crude oil losses, improving government revenue, and curbing environmental pollution caused by illegal bunkering and artisanal refining activities.
“The renewed commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Nigerian military is yielding positive results,”Micheal stated.
“Beyond boosting oil production and revenue, these operations are helping to keep the Niger Delta environment cleaner and safer for our people.”
Participants at the rallies noted that reduced incidents of oil spills and soot pollution in some communities are early indicators of the environmental benefits of the ongoing operations. They called for sustained collaboration between host communities and security agencies to ensure lasting peace and environmental protection.
The Niger Delta Peace & Security Forum reaffirmed its support for the Nigerian military and urged continued professionalism and community engagement to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against oil theft and environmental degradation in the region.
