By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as misleading and malicious a report alleging that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, raised an alarm over rising pipeline vandalism during his recent visit to Port Harcourt, describing the account as a futile attempt at blackmail and a distortion of facts.
Army Headquarters, reacting to a publication by Sahara Reporters titled “Nigerian Army Chief Raises Alarm over Rising Pipeline Vandalism in Niger Delta,” clarified that at no point during the visit did the COAS express concern or raise any alarm over alleged increases in pipeline vandalism. Rather, the visit was centred on troop interaction, operational assessment, welfare issues and the protection of critical national infrastructure as part of the Army Chief’s command priorities.
In an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army placed on record the actual remarks made by the COAS while addressing officers and soldiers of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, at the Port Harcourt Barracks on Friday, 9 January 2025. According to the statement, Lieutenant General Shaibu reminded the troops of the strategic importance of their assignment, telling them: “Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country.”
He charged the troops to take their responsibilities seriously, stressing discipline, commitment and dedication to duty, while assuring them of his unwavering commitment to their welfare. “So you need to take your job very seriously, be disciplined, committed and dedicated to the mandate of this Division. While you do that, be assured I will take care of your welfare issues, which are topmost priorities as captured in my Command Philosophy,” the Army Chief said.
Addressing challenges raised by commanders during the visit, the COAS disclosed that some issues had already received immediate attention, particularly in the area of accommodation. “Some of the challenges raised by your commanders were addressed immediately; for instance, the issue of accommodation. We have approved the construction of additional accommodation, the renovation of certain quarters and the completion of some ongoing projects,” he said, adding that the interventions would significantly reduce accommodation challenges within the barracks.
He also assured personnel that the Army was paying attention to the education of their children, noting that quality education was being factored into welfare considerations. “In terms of quality education for your children, that is all being looked into and in turn, we expect you to do your job conscientiously. So listen to your officers; they will guide you and lead you right,” he added.
While fielding questions from journalists, Lieutenant General Shaibu explained that his visit to 6 Division formed part of his routine operational engagements across formations and units. “Normally, I go round various Divisions to see officers and men, interact with them and ensure their combat readiness. So I am here in the 6 Division area of responsibility for my maiden operational visit to see what the troops are doing, to look at their challenges and see how we can address them headlong so that they can go about doing their jobs seriously,” he stated.
He further reassured the troops that outstanding challenges identified during the visit would be addressed without delay. “I have looked at some of the challenges they have raised; some were addressed immediately, while others will be addressed immediately we get to Abuja,” he said, urging the soldiers to remain focused on their mandate. “I want you to continue to do your jobs conscientiously. Your jobs around here involve the protection of critical national infrastructure, which impacts our economy, so once you do your job very well, everything will be fine.”
The Army Headquarters stressed that contrary to the misleading report, security parameters on ground in the Niger Delta indicate commendable efforts by troops and other security agencies in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism. These sustained efforts, the Army noted, have contributed to improved security conditions that support continued exploration activities in the oil and gas sector, in the broader interest of the nation’s economy.
The Nigerian Army also cautioned media organisations known for what it described as adversarial narratives to always verify their facts before publication, warning against attempts to downplay ongoing security efforts that are yielding positive results across the region. Members of the public were urged to disregard the false report and to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs for prompt action.
