Mohammed Shosanya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede,has given troops of the 6 Division Nigerian Army a one-month ultimatum to end illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region in order to boost Nigeria’s crude oil output.
He gave the ultimatum during his working visit to Rivers State on Tuesday, where he also emphasized the critical role of the military in safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure.
He regretted that the Niger Delta region, has been plagued by pipeline vandalism, and other forms of criminality, resulting significant revenue loss.
He lamented that a decline in oil production has contributed to a rise in the value of the dollar, resulting in higher prices of food and other essential items, hence the need to end the anomaly.
He implored the troops to employ more proactive approaches in securing oil infrastructure in the region.
The Army chief, who recognized the challenges faced by the troops in the region, emphasized the need for them to increase their efforts in protecting national assets.
He said: “In the next one month, I must find changes here. Oil production must go up at all cost.So, just go and do your work and do it well. I know this environment very well; I was the GOC here, so there is nothing you can tell me.
“There is no other way as it is now that the dollar will come down if the government does not make money from oil. Because oil is the mainstay of the economy. So if we are not making money from oil, the Dollars will keep on rising, and that means food and everything will be expensive.”
He warned the troops against engaging in any illegal activities, stating, “In the next one month, I must find changes here. Oil production must go up at all cost. So I have just come to talk to you as your father and as your leader.
“Now, as your father I will beg you to what is correct. Now, as your leader, if you do not do what is correct I will deal with decisively.
“So, if you don’t want to be in soup, just go and do your work and do it well. Like I told you, I know this environment very well, I was the GOC here, so there is nothing you can tell me. So go tell your colleagues that this is my message,”he said.
He urged the troops to work diligently, promising that their efforts would be rewarded, stating that he has informed President Tinubu about the Army’s predicament, including issues of accommodation, kitting,and other essential needs of the troops.
