The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Abubakar, has said that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is responsible for oil theft, illegal refining of crude oil as well as kidnapping in the Niger Delta.
The minister disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar 2024 organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
Director of Press, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, in a statement, said the seminar served as a platform for addressing critical national security issues and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Abubakar said that crude oil theft and illegal crude oil refining were serious crimes against the nation, economy and the citizenry.
He said the government would not tolerate such crimes.
While speaking on the theme of the seminar: “Curbing Oil Theft and Illegal Crude Oil Refining in Nigeria,” Badaru stressed the need for a decisive action to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining and kidnappings.
He stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to end the activities and restore normalcy to affected communities.
“We must continue to broaden the use of appropriate technology in warfare to enhance our situation awareness and execution. These are essential to ensuring that life in the Niger Delta, especially the host communities, return to normalcy,” he said.
Badaru commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national security.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
He said that the significant increase in crude oil production was a result of the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The minister who acknowledged the support of President Tinubu towards the Armed Forces, said that the successes recorded was as a result of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the security of the nation.
He also lauded AANDEC for bringing the issues to the fore, adding that efforts are being made to achieve the desired national objectives.
