Army Operation Reduced Oil Theft, Environmental Pollution, Says Army Chief

The Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation (CASE), Major General Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba, has attributed the significant decline in oil theft, illegal refining, and environmental pollution to the operational successes achieved by the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) in 2024.

Speaking at the Regimental Dinner Night hosted by the Headquarters 6 Division at Python Officers’ Mess, Port Harcourt Barracks, on January 3, 2025, Maj Gen Aiyenigba emphasized that these successes have led to a substantial increase in the nation’s oil production output, from 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) to almost 2 million bpd.

“The successes recorded led to significant increase in nation’s oil production output from 1.4 million bpd to almost 2 million bpd. This, in turn, has significantly boosted the Nigerian economy through increased oil revenue,” he said.

The CASE commended the 6 Division for sustaining the age-long military tradition, which he described as critical in reinforcing professionalism and esprit-de-corps in the Service.

“I am glad to have witnessed such an auspicious event in an elite military formation, like 6 Division NA. The occasion fostered comradeship and solidarity among officers, their spouses, other security agencies, and friends of the Division as well as the NA,” he added.

Maj Gen Aiyenigba assured the Division of the continuous support of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, in providing the necessary support to sustain the achievements recorded so far. “I want to assure you that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, will continue to support you in providing the necessary support needed to sustain the achievements recorded so far,” he said.

The event, which fostered comradeship and solidarity among officers, their spouses, and other security agencies, demonstrated the command philosophy of the COAS, emphasizing effective cooperation in a joint and multi-agency environment.

In his vote of thanks, the PMC, Brigadier General Sàni Ahmed, thanked the CASE, traditional rulers, captains of industries, and other invited guests for making the event memorable. “I want to thank the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Olumuyiwa Aiyenigba, for honoring our invitation. I also want to thank the Patron of Python Officers’ Mess, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, and all our invited guests for making this event a success,” he said.

He reassured of continuous synergy with critical stakeholders. “We will continue to work together with all our stakeholders to ensure the success of our operations,” he added.

The highlights of the event included the presentation of a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour, conduct of a band, and a red-carpet photograph session.

Army Operation Reduced Oil Theft, Environmental Pollution, Says Army Chief is first published on The Whistler Newspaper