The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has urged oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta to take greater responsibility in safeguarding oil facilities located within their environments. He emphasized that when local residents take ownership of national infrastructure, particularly oil pipelines, it significantly strengthens efforts to protect these assets from vandalism and sabotage.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt, General Musa highlighted the need for local cooperation to secure oil installations. Represented by Navy Captain Lassie Audi Ozovehe, the Defence Chief warned that the consequences of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft are most severe for the host communities themselves, rather than the oil companies or the government.
He pointed out that acts such as pipeline breaches often result in devastating environmental damage, including oil spills that contaminate farmland, rivers, and drinking water. These incidents also create long-term health hazards for residents and leave communities grappling with pollution and economic losses. According to him, while oil companies may bear the financial burden of repairing damaged infrastructure, the impact on the people’s quality of life is far greater and often irreversible.
General Musa urged the people to understand that the oil pipelines running through their communities are national assets placed in their care. He stressed that when communities allow or participate in the sabotage of these pipelines, they are ultimately sabotaging their own progress and development. He added that these assets bring employment, infrastructure, and investment into local areas, but such benefits can only continue if the environment is stable and secure.
He called on local leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups to work together to create a culture of vigilance and accountability. According to him, effective protection of oil facilities cannot be achieved by military presence alone. It requires the active involvement of the people, who must be the first line of defense against those seeking to exploit or damage their natural resources.
General Musa further reminded attendees that the federal government and its partners remain committed to ensuring the safety of oil infrastructure, but the success of these efforts depends heavily on community collaboration. He appealed to those still engaging in illegal oil activities to reconsider their actions, stressing that short-term gains from bunkering and pipeline vandalism come at the cost of long-term suffering and environmental ruin.
Participants at the Port Harcourt meeting acknowledged the Defence Chief’s message and pledged to play a more active role in protecting oil assets. Many agreed that the time had come for communities to change their approach from passive observation to active stewardship of the resources in their lands.
As the country continues to battle oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the call from the Defence Chief serves as a strong reminder that sustainable development in the Niger Delta hinges on peace, security, and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
