The Nigerian Army has taken a significant step to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta by training 60 young soldiers to protect oil facilities and strengthen efforts to combat the menace. The soldiers, drawn from the 89 Regular Recruit Intake, completed the training barely two months after passing out from the Nigerian Army Depot.
The training exercise was held at the headquarters of the 3 Battalion Nigerian Army in Delta State, with the Commander of 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Morounfolu Shonibare, and the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Abdulaziz Haruna, overseeing the programme.
The soldiers were trained in crowd control, peace enforcement, and anti-terrorism measures, with emphasis on protecting civilian lives and property while safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure. The training was designed to prepare the recruits for the challenges of military operations, particularly internal security and counter-insurgency duties in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Addressing the soldiers at their graduation, Shonibare described the training as a critical foundation for their military careers. He emphasized that protecting the Niger Delta, which serves as the economic backbone of the country due to its oil resources, was a national priority.
The training aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready, and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
The Commanding Officer of the battalion, Haruna, said the training was structured to equip the soldiers with essential skills, including internal security operations, counter-insurgency tactics, weapon handling, and regimentation. He stressed the importance of protecting oil installations in the region and maintaining collaboration with other security agencies and private surveillance firms.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long posed serious threats to Nigeria’s oil industry, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where criminal networks often tap pipelines and illegally refine crude oil. The Nigerian Army’s efforts aim to address this challenge and ensure the country’s oil resources are protected.
The trained soldiers are expected to play a key role in safeguarding oil facilities and curbing oil theft in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian Army’s initiative demonstrates its commitment to protecting the country’s economic interests and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The training programme has been hailed as a significant step towards addressing the issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian Army’s efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and the lives of people in the region.
