Stakeholders under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) have commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa and all the dedicated troops under his leadership for their decisive actions against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
MOSIEND said the ongoing renewed and assertive approach adopted by the military to end economic sabotage had provided the much-needed boost of confidence for the communities of the Niger Delta.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, MOSIEND’s President, Kennedy Tonjo West, said Niger Delta communities had long witnessed and endured the economic and environmental devastation caused by criminal activities in the region.
But West said General Musa’s public declaration to end the menace signalled a resolve to halt the looting of the nation’s resources and protect the region from environmental devastation.
He recalled that right from the moment the CDS declared that “oil thieves’ days are numbered”, there had been consistent onslaughts against saboteurs.
West said: “This firm approach aligns with the government’s objective of reaching the country’s oil production target of 2.1million barrels per day, a crucial goal for Nigeria’s economic stability.
“MOSIEND views this as a decisive step towards restoring security and economic strength in the region, an area rich in resources but historically plagued by exploitation and environmental degradation.
“The illegal siphoning and vandalism of oil infrastructures have severely affected the livelihoods of people in the Niger Delta, resulting in an economic burden not only for the local communities but also for the country at large.
“Years of unchecked oil theft have led to significant financial losses, deterred potential investors, and caused devastating environmental harm. MOSIEND’s endorsement of the CDS’s actions is rooted in its mission to ensure peace, economic justice, and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta”
West said MOSIEND was ready to partner with the authorities to bring long-term solutions that would benefit both the local communities and the national economy.
He said: “MOSIEND’s recognition of the task force’s efforts reflects a broader optimism that the Niger Delta’s resources can be protected and managed more sustainably. A strengthened security presence around oil installations promises not only to safeguard these assets but also to boost investor confidence.
“This, in turn, could generate job opportunities and foster social stability in the region. MOSIEND believes that the visible impact of these improvements underscores the importance of governmental accountability and transparency in handling resources critical to the national economy.
“The organisation has called upon all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society, and government agencies, to unite in support of these security measures. MOSIEND emphasizes that only through collective action can the Niger Delta secure its resources and restore its environment for future generations”.
West noted that the CDS’ intervention, bolstered by community cooperation, could serve as a blueprint for achieving sustainable peace and security in Nigeria’s resource-rich but troubled regions.
“In an era where economic security is as crucial as territorial security, MOSIEND’s statement reflects the importance of cohesive national and local efforts to address challenges threatening Nigeria’s oil industry.
“The commitment from the Chief of Defence Staff and MOSIEND’s collaborative stance represent a shared vision for a safer, more prosperous Niger Delta—one where resources are used to uplift communities rather than to fuel criminal enterprises.
“MOSIEND’s support for the task force’s efforts is a testament to the power of unified action in the face of adversity and an essential step toward reclaiming the region’s future”, he said.
