Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has lamented the loss of 400, 000 barrels of crude oil per day to local and international oil thieves and vandals.
The NSA made this known when he led a federal government delegation to inspect oil facilities in Rivers and Abila states.
Ribadu said the theft has resulted in serious economic problems for Nigeria, and affected the living standards of Nigerians because of loss of huge revenue.
Recall that Governor Similaye of Rivers State recently solicited the support of the Nigerian Navy to combat the menace of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, noting that the cooperation of all the security services is required to tackle oil thieves and pipeline vandals.
Speaking at the weekend, Ribadu said Nigeria is currently producing 1.6 million barrels instead of the two million barrels per day.
“Nigeria has the capacity to produce two million barrels of crude daily, but we are currently producing less than 1.6 million barrels due to theft and vandalisation of pipelines,’’ the NSA said.
Fubara said: “I want to tell you, the entire Airforce, that we are having a difficult time in this country, so try as much as you can to see what you can do, we are ready to work with you to reduce economic sabotage.
Lamenting the rate of pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering last week when the Chie of Naval Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar paid him a courtesy visit, Governor Fubara said a new strategy is required “against illegal bunkering activities” in the Niger Delta.
The governor said, “Illegal bunkering is a big issue and it is something not to leave in the hands of the navy or the Army, but every body needs to work together.
“Those things we can’t see while on ground, you can access from aerial view. When we work together, I believe nothing is impossible to conquer.
“I appeal to you to order the commander in charge of this base to work with us because we intend to start a new fighting arrangement against illegal bunkering activities.”
