From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, WARRI
Nigeria’s crude oil production is recording steady improvement, following the collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and other security partners in the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure.
This was made known yesterday by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Emmanuel Ejim-Emekah.
Ejim-Emekah spoke on Wednesday at Effurun Barracks in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State during the commissioning of the reconstructed and fully furnished Headquarters of Sector 1, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, OPDS, as well as 3 Battalion Headquarters, projects sponsored by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The army chief said the partnership had strengthened operational capacity across the Niger Delta, leading to the reduction in oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage that had previously hampered national oil output.
“Our collaboration with Tantita and other partners has strengthened our operational capacity. They are supporting 6 Division not only in Delta State, but also in Rivers and Bayelsa States, and this support is directly impacting the security of critical national assets,” he said.
According to him, improved security around pipelines and production facilities has a direct and positive effect on crude oil output.
“When you secure pipelines and production facilities, you inevitably record improvement in output. That is what we are seeing today,” Ejim-Emekah said.
The GOC recalled that upon assuming office on January 24 last year, he observed that some operational facilities within the division were in poor condition and not suitable for effective military operations.
He expressed satisfaction that his directive had resulted in the completion of modern and well-furnished headquarters for Sector 1 and 3 Battalion, noting that the facilities would enhance command, control and administration.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Engr Kestin Pondi said sustainable security can only be achieved through collaboration between public and private institutions.
He explained that since Tantita was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, in August 2022, it has worked closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Pondi disclosed that the project involved the construction of 13 new offices at 3 Battalion Headquarters and the remodelling of 22 offices at the Sector 1 facility.
Pondi commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, NNPCL, Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, host communities and Tantita staff for their cooperation.
Senior military officers, representatives of sister security agencies and community leaders attended the commissioning.
