The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called on residents of the Niger Delta to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to curb economic sabotage in the region.
Shaibu made the appeal during an operational visit to the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of his ongoing engagements with troops across the country.
Speaking while fielding questions from journalists, the army chief explained that the visit was aimed at assessing the operational readiness of officers and men, interacting directly with them, and identifying challenges that require immediate attention.
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He noted that safeguarding critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure, remains a core responsibility of the military, stressing that effective protection of such facilities is vital to national economic stability.
Shaibu commended the efforts of troops and other security agencies in the Niger Delta, saying available security indicators showed significant progress in tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism, leading to improved stability and sustained activities in the oil and gas sector.
He urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by sharing actionable intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs, assuring that such cooperation would enhance rapid response and long-term security in the region.
During his interaction with troops, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare, disclosing that steps had been approved to address accommodation challenges through the construction of new facilities, renovation of existing quarters and completion of ongoing projects.
He also assured personnel that issues relating to the education of their children and other welfare concerns were being addressed under his command philosophy, while charging them to remain disciplined, dedicated and professional in the discharge of their duties.
Shaibu emphasised that the success of security operations in the Niger Delta depended not only on the military but also on the active participation of local communities, calling for sustained collaboration in the fight against economic sabotage.
