NNPC Launches Maritime Task Force to Combat Oil Theft

Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, Chief Interface Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, announced the formation of a combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) to address crude oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea. This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria's crude oil production and foreign earnings.

The announcement was made during the Third Trans-Atlantic Maritime Security Symposium in Lagos, where military and maritime stakeholders emphasized the need for regional cooperation to secure maritime trade. Sani-Gwarzo stated that improved information sharing among the CMTF, security agencies, and intelligence organizations would help combat maritime activities related to oil theft.

He expressed confidence that the full operationalization of the CMTF could reduce crude oil theft to zero. General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted the importance of the maritime domain for Africa's economic prosperity and warned against threats such as piracy and drug trafficking.

Rear Admiral Abubakar A Mustapha noted that the CMTF would unite regional countries to enhance maritime security.