ONSA credits troops for oil production boost in Niger Delta

Goodluck Ebelo, newly appointed Director of Energy Security, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has described Nigerian soldiers’ commitment to the protection of national assets as responsible for the rise in oil production figures.

He was speaking on Wednesday, during a visit to the headquarters of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Umar Adam, a Lieutenant Colonel and Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Nigerian Army Public Relations, said in a statement that Ebelo was accompanied on the visit by Jamilu Saham, a retired Major General and Chief Executive Officer of New Guard Security Services Limited.

Ebelo commended Emmanuel Emekah, Major General and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, for the protection of critical national infrastructure in the Niger Delta and across the nation.

He said crude oil production has significantly increased over the past two years, enabling the Federal Government to generate more revenue for the nation’s treasury.

Ebelo attributed this achievement largely to the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Army, in securing critical national assets and combating economic sabotage.

He also praised Emekah’s leadership style and expressed confidence in the Nigerian Army’s ability to sustain momentum in safeguarding the nation’s assets and to maintain security across the country.

Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 6 Division, congratulated Ebelo on his appointment as Director of Energy Security, ONSA.

He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, to ensuring that criminals do not compromise the nation’s critical infrastructure and economic assets.

The GOC assured the delegation that 6 Division would continue to intensify efforts to protect national assets and support initiatives aimed at improving security in the Niger Delta region.

Emekah identified one major challenge facing security agencies in the Niger Delta as some oil companies’ failure to fully implement the terms of their memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with host communities.

He noted that such failures have often resulted in protests and tensions within the communities.

Emekah therefore urged the Director of Energy Security to engage relevant stakeholders and urge oil companies to honour their agreements with their host communities.