Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has challenged the Nigerian Airforce to join other security agencies to tackle crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the country.
The Rivers governor stated this when the Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar paid a courtesy visit to his office in Port Harcourt, the state’s capital on Thursday.
The governor stated that the fight against pipelines vandalism and crude oil theft cannot be left to the Navy and Nigeria Army.
He urged the Airforce to use its air advantage to assist other security agencies to flush out the criminals.
According to him, the cooperation of all the security agencies is required if the war against crude oil theft in the state and Niger Delta will be won.
“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,” Fubara said.
The governor added, “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.”
Responding to demands from the chief of air staff, the governor assured that the state commissioner for special projects will be directed to do assessment of what is left to be done on the Airforce Runway and the two blocks of buildings as accommodations for Airforce officers.
