The Nigerian Government is seeking closer operational cooperation between security agencies and Oil and Gas industry to close security gaps threatening energy infrastructure and boost crude oil production, to strengthen the economic stability.
The renewed push followed a high-level engagement convened by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), under the framework of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS).
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Oil and Gas sector and security community.
The meeting, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence forms part of the Nigerian Government’s broader strategy to strengthen security coordination around critical oil and gas infrastructure that underpins Nigeria’s economy.
Addressing participants, the Defence Minister stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria, other security agencies and industry operators through improved intelligence sharing, enhanced operational synergy and faster coordinated responses to emerging threats affecting oil production facilities.
Discussions reviewed existing security arrangements across the sector and identified the absence of an approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing collaboration between pipeline and infrastructure companies, Operation Delta Safe and other security agencies as a major operational gap contributing to coordination challenges.
Participants also raised concerns over threats originating from host communities, insider collaboration with criminal networks, delays in repairing damaged infrastructure and the vulnerability of abandoned facilities. They warned that these challenges continue to create opportunities for crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other illicit activities.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of sustained institutional collaboration in protecting Nigeria’s strategic energy assets while acknowledging the security gains already recorded through Operation Delta Safe across the Niger Delta.
Stakeholders also emphasised the need to consolidate those gains through stronger partnerships, improved coordination mechanisms and structured cooperation capable of supporting increased oil production and long-term national economic growth.
