Joint Monitoring Team Meets JTF Operation Delta Safe Commander On Oil Theft

Joint Monitoring Team Meets JTF Operation Delta Safe Commander On Oil Theft

The Joint Monitoring Team set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to tackle oil theft in the Niger Delta has commenced operations in full-scale.

Leader of the team, Major General Jamiu Jimoh, revealed this during an interview with Channels TV after a closed-door meeting with the Commander of Joint South-South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral John Okeke, at the OPDS headquarters in Igbogene, Bayelsa State.

According to Major General Jimoh, the team, which comprises representatives from 12 security forces, has already started seeing positive results in curbing oil theft in the region. He noted that their efforts are actively addressing the issue across various states in the Niger Delta.

Rear Admiral Okeke, on his part, described the formation of the team as a significant boost to ongoing efforts in the region. He highlighted that the dedicated monitoring of oil and gas activities will help strengthen the clampdown on oil theft and illegal activities in the sector.

When asked about the readiness of the JTF to support security efforts during the upcoming Edo State election, he assured the public that troops were already on the ground and prepared to respond to any potential security threats during the elections as instructed by General Christopher Musa.

The Joint Monitoring Team, though newly established, is part of a broader strategy aimed at eradicating oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an increase in oil production.

The efforts of the security agencies may be yielding results, as according to the OPDS Commander, oil production has scaled upwards from over 1.3 million barrels to 1.64 million barrels per day.