Minister of defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, has said oil theft, illegal crude refining and kidnapping are aided by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Niger Delta.
The minister stated this in a keynote address at the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar 2024 organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s director of information, Henshaw Ogubike, said oil theft and illegal crude refining were serious crimes against the nation, its economy and the citizenry.
He declared that the government would not tolerate such crimes.
Speaking on the theme of the seminar: „Curbing oil theft and illegal crude oil refining in Nigeria“, Badaru stressed the need for decisive action to combat the menace and kidnapping.
He stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to end these activities and restore normalcy to affected communities.
„We must continue to broaden the use of appropriate technology in warfare to enhance our situational awareness and execution. These are essential to ensuring that life in the Niger Delta, especially the host communities, return to normalcy,“ he said.
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