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The Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni on Friday said activities of oil theft, illegal crude oil refining and kidnapping are aided by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the Niger Delta.
The Minister made this statement when he gave a keynote address during the opening of the 13th National Security Seminar 2024 organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
The Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni during the 13th National Security Seminar 2024 organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
He said that crude oil theft and illegal crude oil refining are serious crimes against the nation, economy and the citizenry, stressing that, " government will not tolerate such crimes."
He spoke on the theme of the Seminar: "Curbing oil theft and illegal crude oil Refining in Nigeria".
Badaru emphasized the need for decisive action to combat crude oil theft, illegal refining, and kidnappings.
According to him, "We must continue to broaden the use of appropriate technology in warfare to enhance our situation awareness and execution. These are essential to ensuring that life in the Niger Delta, especially the host communities, returns to normalcy."
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to national security, he also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other agencies in tackling insecurity in Nigeria.
The Minister acknowledged the support of President Tinubu towards the Armed Forces, saying that "the successes recorded was as a result of Mr President's Renewed Hope Agenda on the security of the nation."
