By Harriet Tornguvan, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called on troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe to intensify efforts to eliminate crude oil theft and related criminal activities, noting the positive impact on crude oil production, which has increased from 1.5 million to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day.
During his first official visit to the Task Force Headquarters in Bayelsa State, the Minister commended the troops for their success in dismantling 1,129 illegal refineries since February 2024.
He praised their ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and other illegal activities, expressing optimism that crude oil production could reach 2 million barrels per day by December 2024 and 2.5 million by mid-2025.
The Minister stressed the need to safeguard critical national infrastructure, including the pipelines responsible for transporting crude oil.
He commended the troops' renewed determination in addressing economic sabotage and illegal refinery operations.
Rear Admiral JU Okeke, Commander of the Joint Task Force, reported a significant reduction of 85% in crude oil theft and illegal refinery activities in the second and third quarters of 2024.
"This drop has contributed to the increase in crude oil production, which rose from 1.5 million barrels per day in June to 1.7 million barrels in September.
The Minister conveyed the appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their resilience and dedication despite the challenging environment.
He urged the troops to maintain their efforts until the desired results are fully achieved.
