Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced that the state will donate six gunboats to the Nigerian Navy to bolster patrol efforts and combat rampant oil theft in the region. This move is part of a broader initiative to tackle the theft of crude oil from pipelines and wells, which has severely undermined Nigeria’s oil industry, damaged government revenues, and stifled exports.
Speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Fubara highlighted the collaborative efforts between state and federal governments that have contributed to Nigeria’s recent increase in oil production, which now stands at 1.8 million barrels per day.
“We are donating in the next few days six gunboats to the Nigerian Navy, the closest agency to us in this war against oil theft, to check this scourge in the difficult terrain, and also deploy them for regional security,” Fubara said.
He emphasised the state’s commitment to employing internal mechanisms alongside national strategies to prevent pipeline vandalism and protect critical oil infrastructure.
The gunboats are expected to enhance the navy’s patrol capabilities, particularly around submerged pipelines and export terminals frequently targeted by oil thieves.
Fubara stressed the importance of collaboration with host communities in securing pipelines and preventing vandalism, which has been instrumental in the ongoing rehabilitation of the Trans Niger Pipeline — a vital export route for Nigerian crude oil.
“The state and host communities are crucial in the fight against oil theft,” Fubara said, commending their role in enabling security improvements and infrastructure repair.
In addition to security measures, the Rivers State government is investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in communities most affected by oil theft and vandalism. These initiatives aim to provide alternative opportunities for young people, many of whom are drawn into criminal activities due to economic hardship.
“We are re-orienting them because we found out that the average age of the perpetrators of these crimes is about 15, 16 years,” Fubara explained.
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