Niger Delta Group Disputes COAS Claim On Pipelines Vandalism

The Niger Delta Peace Advocates (NDPA) have faulted comments by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, linking recent fluctuations in Nigeria’s crude oil output to renewed pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

Reacting in a statement signed by its Director General, Esimaje Awani, the group said the slight dip in oil production was caused by the temporary shutdown of some production platforms over workers’ welfare demands, not vandalism.

“With due respect, the claim of rising vandalism is an exaggeration and underplays the gains recorded since pipeline surveillance companies were engaged,” the group said, noting that oil output has risen from about 800,000 barrels per day to between 1.7 million and 1.8 million barrels per day, according to NUPRC data.

Commending the COAS for his vigilance and commitment to protecting national assets, the NDPA urged the Army to channel similar energy towards tackling illegal mining of solid minerals in Northern states such as Zamfara, which it said is draining the country’s economic potential.

Lt. Gen. Shaibu had, during his maiden visit to the 6 Division in Port Harcourt, charged troops to intensify protection of critical infrastructure, warning that oil theft and vandalism pose serious threats to national revenue.