The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has inaugurated a joint monitoring team to oversee military operations in the South-South region of Nigeria.
A statement on Wednesday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, highlighted the team’s key role in optimizing the military’s and security agencies’ efforts in the oil-producing areas. Gusau noted, “The CDS emphasised that the monitoring teams’ primary role is to enhance military and security operations in the region. Their objective is to assess performance and report back to commanders for improvement.”
General Musa underscored the importance of collaboration between the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting its positive impact on oil production. “He noted the collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, which has significantly boosted daily oil production,” the statement added.
Additionally, Gusau revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff urged the monitoring team to focus on increasing Nigeria’s oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day by the end of the year. “The team is aware of the mandate given by President Bola Tinubu to increase oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day by December. Securing critical national infrastructure and collaborating with oil companies to maximise production are essential to this task,” the statement continued.
Major General Jamiu Jimoh, Chairman of the Defence Monitoring Team, expressed his gratitude for the support from troops and security agencies. He pledged the team’s commitment to achieving the target set for Nigeria’s crude oil production. “He pledged that the team would work diligently to achieve the target of 2.2 million barrels per day,” the statement affirmed.
During a visit to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, General Musa reiterated his dedication to President Bola Tinubu’s vision, adding that two critical committees have been established to enhance operational effectiveness. “For us to achieve the mandate given by the Commander-in-Chief, we need to approach things differently,” Musa explained, referring to the Defence Joint Monitoring Team and the Defence Joint Intelligence Infusion Centre.
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Musa further noted that the Monitoring Team will work closely with the Joint Task Force under Operation Delta Safe to identify and address weaknesses in the fight against oil theft. He said, “The Infusion Centre will streamline intelligence on oil theft and other criminal activities, ensuring swift action to maintain peace and security in the region.”
General Musa also praised Governor Fubara for fostering a peaceful environment in Rivers State, which has enabled the military to perform its duties effectively. “We are grateful for your leadership and support, which has allowed us to maintain peace and advance development,” Musa said during the meeting.
Governor Fubara, in his response, expressed his administration’s strong commitment to combatting oil theft and illegal refining, acknowledging the Federal Government’s increased involvement through the new Monitoring Team. “Despite attempts to sabotage our efforts, we remain determined to ensure that Rivers people benefit from good governance and that the national economy does not suffer due to activities in the state,” Fubara stated.
Fubara also emphasized the state’s efforts to address piracy along the waterways, particularly in Bonny Local Government Area, where gunboats are being acquired to enhance security. He assured General Musa of the state’s full support in achieving the crude oil production target, concluding, “On behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I assure you that we will collaborate fully to achieve the Federal Government’s target. Rivers State is committed to making this effort a success.”
