Defence Minister Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration to Boost Oil Production

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and operators in Nigeria's oil and gas sector to enhance the protection of critical energy infrastructure and increase the country's crude oil production.

The minister made the call during a high-level stakeholders' meeting held on June 29, 2026, at the Port Harcourt Barracks in Rivers State under the framework of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), as part of the Federal Government's efforts to strengthen security coordination across the oil-producing Niger Delta.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence's Public Relations Officer, Captain Moses Yare, the meeting brought together key stakeholders from the oil and gas industry, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to develop strategies for tackling threats to critical national assets.

Speaking at the meeting, General Musa stressed the need for improved intelligence sharing, enhanced operational synergy and prompt, coordinated responses to emerging security challenges affecting oil production and infrastructure.

He noted that protecting the nation's oil and gas facilities remains vital to Nigeria's economic stability and growth, adding that effective collaboration between security agencies and industry operators is essential to curbing crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities.

Discussions during the meeting focused on reviewing existing security arrangements and identifying challenges hindering effective collaboration among stakeholders.

Participants identified the absence of an approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing cooperation between pipeline and infrastructure companies, Operation Delta Safe and other security agencies as a major obstacle to efficient coordination and response.

The stakeholders also expressed concerns over threats from some host communities, alleged insider collaboration with criminal elements, delays in repairing damaged infrastructure and the vulnerability of abandoned facilities, warning that these issues continue to create opportunities for crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria's strategic energy assets and acknowledged the successes recorded by Operation Delta Safe in improving security across the Niger Delta. Participants, however, emphasised the need to consolidate those gains through stronger partnerships, enhanced coordination and the implementation of more effective security measures aimed at boosting oil production and protecting critical national infrastructure.