The Joint Monitoring Team, established by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to combat the rampant issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta, has officially commenced full-scale operations. This marks a critical step in the fight to protect Nigeria’s valuable oil resources, which have long been targeted by illegal activities, including oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Major General Jamiu Jimoh, the leader of the monitoring team, shared insights into the progress made so far during a recent interview with news correspondents following a closed-door meeting. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Joint South-South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in Igbogene, Bayelsa State, brought together key figures involved in security operations within the Niger Delta region. The Commander of OPDS, Rear Admiral John Okeke, was also present at the briefing.
Major General Jimoh revealed that the Joint Monitoring Team, which includes representatives from 12 different security forces, has already begun yielding positive results in the fight against oil theft. According to Jimoh, the team’s operations are being carried out across multiple states in the Niger Delta, and early indications suggest that their efforts are starting to make a tangible impact. This collaborative approach among security agencies is seen as a much-needed strategy to effectively address the deep-rooted issue of oil theft, which has plagued the region for years.
Rear Admiral John Okeke echoed these sentiments, describing the establishment of the Joint Monitoring Team as a significant boost to ongoing efforts in the region. He explained that the dedicated monitoring of oil and gas activities will go a long way in strengthening the clampdown on oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other forms of criminality within the sector. According to him, the new team will provide additional layers of oversight and enforcement, ensuring that oil theft is tackled more aggressively and efficiently.
The formation of the Joint Monitoring Team comes as part of a broader national effort to ramp up Nigeria’s crude oil production. Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an increase in oil output, the Nigerian government has made it clear that the elimination of oil theft is critical to achieving this goal. The loss of revenue due to stolen oil and illegal refining has severely hampered the country’s ability to maximize the benefits of its natural resources, making this operation a top priority.
In addition to the fight against oil theft, the security team has also been tasked with maintaining law and order ahead of the upcoming Edo State elections. When asked about the readiness of security forces for the elections, Major General Jimoh expressed confidence in the preparedness of the Joint Task Force (JTF). He assured the public that troops are already on the ground and fully equipped to handle any potential security threats that may arise during the electoral process. This assurance comes as part of the broader mandate given by General Christopher Musa to safeguard not only the oil sector but also ensure peace and stability during critical national events like elections.
Rear Admiral Okeke emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in the region. He noted that the fight against oil theft and illegal bunkering is far from over, but the recent establishment of the Joint Monitoring Team has provided renewed hope. The collective efforts of the various security agencies involved are expected to create a more coordinated approach to the problem, making it harder for criminals to exploit the nation’s oil resources.
These efforts are already showing promise. According to the Commander of OPDS, oil production in Nigeria has started to rise. He shared that the country’s output has increased from over 1.3 million barrels per day to 1.64 million barrels per day. This improvement is seen as a direct result of the heightened security measures and the clampdown on oil theft and illegal activities. It is also a positive sign for Nigeria’s economy, which relies heavily on oil exports as a major source of revenue.
However, while the increase in oil production is encouraging, the ongoing efforts to secure the Niger Delta remain crucial to sustaining this progress. The region’s complex terrain, coupled with the deep-seated nature of oil theft networks, means that the fight will require sustained commitment from both the security forces and the government. The Joint Monitoring Team, in collaboration with OPDS, is poised to play a critical role in ensuring that Nigeria can protect its oil resources and, by extension, its economic future.
As the team continues its operations, all eyes will be on how effectively it can maintain the momentum. With the backing of the Nigerian military and other security agencies, there is optimism that the tide may finally be turning in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta. The successful dismantling of these illegal operations would not only boost Nigeria’s oil production but also restore confidence in the country’s ability to manage and safeguard its natural resources effectively.
This new phase of security operations represents a hopeful chapter in Nigeria’s long-standing battle against oil theft, and as operations ramp up, many are looking forward to a future where the Niger Delta is free from the grip of oil thieves and illegal refiners.
