Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, on Monday, 29 June 2026, convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector at the Port Harcourt Barracks, Rivers State, under the framework of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS). The engagement forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen security coordination and protect critical oil and gas infrastructure essential to national economic stability and growth. This was contained in a statement signed by Captain Moses Yare, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Defence.
General Christopher Musa, in his remarks, underscored the importance of closer collaboration among the Armed Forces of Nigeria, other security agencies, and industry operators. He emphasised the need for improved intelligence-sharing, enhanced operational synergy, and swift, coordinated responses to emerging security threats affecting oil production and infrastructure.
Deliberations at the meeting focused on reviewing existing security arrangements and addressing persistent challenges within the sector. Stakeholders identified the absence of an approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide cooperation between pipeline and infrastructure companies, Operation Delta Safe, and other security agencies as a major gap, resulting in inefficiencies in coordination and response.
Participants also highlighted ongoing concerns, including threats emanating from host communities, insider collaboration with criminal elements, delays in the repair of damaged infrastructure, and the vulnerability of abandoned facilities. These gaps, they noted, continue to provide opportunities for illicit activities such as crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The meeting reaffirmed the critical importance of sustained and structured collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic energy assets. It also acknowledged the notable progress achieved through Operation Delta Safe in enhancing security across the Niger Delta while emphasising the need to consolidate these gains through stronger partnerships and coordinated action.
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