December 17, (THEWILL) – The Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress has commended the Federal Government and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their sustained efforts in tackling oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the coalition’s National President, Pastor Olayinka Teidor, the group applauded the deployment of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures under General Musa’s leadership, which have significantly reduced criminal activities in the region.
The statement read in part, “As one of the foremost advocacy groups in the region, committed to constructive engagements with relevant stakeholders, we can boldly attest to the marked improvement in the fight against oil theft. The menace has drastically reduced.”
The group also highlighted the impact of these efforts on the region’s economic prospects, emphasising the importance of creating an enabling environment for investors, which will, in turn, generate employment opportunities for youths and boost revenue for the government.
“By reducing oil theft and boosting revenue, the government will be better positioned to provide critical social amenities, thereby fostering harmonious socio-economic coexistence and ensuring a win-win situation for all,” the statement added.
The coalition specifically praised the Major General Jimoh Jamiu-led Special Monitoring Team for achieving near-zero oil theft and vandalism, which had previously plagued the region.
They noted that since General Musa assumed office as CDS, there has been a considerable decline in crimes such as pipeline vandalism and other illegal activities affecting oil facilities.
The group further commended the strategic use of public enlightenment campaigns, including radio jingles in collaboration with socio-cultural organizations like the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta.
These campaigns, they noted, have been instrumental in sensitizing the populace about the dangers and economic sabotage caused by oil theft.
“This media campaign is a vital step in mobilizing the region’s residents to recognize their collective responsibility in eradicating this menace,”* the statement said.
Additionally, the coalition called on the government to consider granting state pardons to repentant oil bunkerers who wish to reintegrate into society.
They proposed that such individuals should be carefully profiled by a technical security committee, with their data recorded to ensure swift action should they relapse into criminal activities.
The group concluded by urging all stakeholders, including the local populace, to unite with the government to comprehensively address crime and criminality in the Niger Delta.
“Together, we can completely exterminate oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities that hinder the progress of the Niger Delta and the nation at large,” the statement added.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
