Army Vows to Crush Oil Thieves, Restore 2 Million BPD Output — Brig. Gen. Tawasimi

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against oil thieves, with a focus on restoring the country’s crude oil production to the target of two million barrels per day (BPD).

Brigadier General Alexander Tawasimi, Commander of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Mbierebe, Akwa Ibom State, gave this assurance during a press briefing at his base. He described oil theft as a major act of economic sabotage, stressing the critical importance of the oil sector to Nigeria’s economy.

“Oil production is central to our national revenue. That’s why it is imperative for us to create a secure environment that supports increased oil activity, which in turn boosts government capacity to deliver services,” he stated.

Brig. Gen. Tawasimi emphasized that the directive from the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff is clear — to significantly curb oil theft and ensure uninterrupted oil operations. He noted that Akwa Ibom currently contributes 1.2 million BPD, making it vital to safeguard offshore facilities by maintaining security onshore.

“Our operations onshore are aimed at enabling safe and efficient offshore activities. We’re increasing our efforts to prevent illegal bunkering and ensure these criminals don’t gain ground,” he said.

He also acknowledged other security concerns in the state, such as kidnapping and communal clashes near border communities, but reiterated that the Army is focused on meeting the national oil production goal.

To bolster these efforts, Tawasimi called on civil society groups and residents to cooperate with the military by sharing intelligence that can aid in tracking and combating criminal elements both on land and at sea.

“The military has enhanced its civil-military relations framework to promote mutual trust and collaboration. Citizens should never hesitate to report suspicious activities,” he urged.

Addressing broader national security issues, he pointed out that the fight against insurgency remains complex due to its unconventional nature.

Brig. Gen. Tawasimi issued a stern warning to military personnel involved in leaking intelligence to adversaries, stating that such acts of betrayal carry the maximum penalty of death. He assured that the Army remains committed to instilling professionalism, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to national service among its ranks.