Abuja:The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called on security agencies, oil industry operators, and surveillance contractors to rigorously implement a new framework aimed at enhancing the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets. This appeal was made during the signing and launch of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Government Security and Intelligence Agencies and other stakeholders under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry-Wide Security Architecture.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ribadu identified key threats such as crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining, which pose significant risks to national security, environmental protection, and economic recovery. He emphasized the need for unity, clear responsibilities, information sharing, and operational discipline among all involved institutions to ensure effective implementation.
The NSA urged that the SOP be disseminated to all relevant commands and field personnel to guide daily operations, stressing the importance of professionalism and adherence to the law. He expressed confidence that continuous collaboration among government agencies, industry operators, and stakeholders would enhance infrastructure security, boost production, and support economic recovery.
Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, highlighted the initiative as pivotal in securing national assets. He stressed the importance of coordinated actions among defence, intelligence, law enforcement agencies, industry operators, and host communities to maintain security gains.
Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, noted that the SOP would foster operational orderliness by defining the roles of participating agencies clearly. Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., reported a significant recovery in oil production, attributing it to the collaborative security efforts.
The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, confirmed the dismissal of officers guilty of misconduct, underscoring the need for discipline. Capt. Warredi Enisuoh of Tantita Security Services advocated for broader dissemination of the SOP and pledged support through technological and community engagement.
Hafsat Bakari, CEO of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), called for effective monitoring and feedback mechanisms to assess the SOP’s implementation. The SOP outlines procedures for joint patrols, evidence handling, and coordination among institutions, while ensuring safeguards for suspects and regulating the use of surveillance technology to promote transparency and accountability.