The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Defence (NSCDC), Delta command, said it is collaborating with sister agencies and Tantita Security Services to reduce oil theft in Niger Delta.

The commandant of the command, Suleiman Jimoh, stated this when the staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), led by Ekio Benson, head of NAN office in Delta, visited him on Wednesday in Asaba.

He said that the command and other security agencies had put in place measures to effectively protect critical national assets.

Mr Jimoh said that the synergy had ensured that oil bunkering and burning of crude in the creeks ended in Delta.

He said that with support from Tantita, the command destroyed several illegal refineries and arrested and secured the conviction of some culprits.

“We no longer hear or see any site where crude is burned by the bunkers, and this has ensured the safety of oil pipeline facilities in the area.

He, however, said that the command has its challenges in the area of logistics and mobility to access the waterfronts and other areas.

Mr Jimoh, while calling for more support for the command, assured that with the current synergy, all facilities of have been effectively protected.

“This has ensured sustained peace, safety and protection of lives and critical national assets in the Niger Delta,” he said.

He commended the Delta government for the cordial relationship with the corps.

Earlier, Mr Benson said that the visit was to foster a better relationship with the NSCDC.

Mr Benson said that the media and security sector are mutually dependent, stressing that the corps and the NAN needed a stronger synergy.

He said NAN, as the largest News Agency in Africa, has positively impacted various organisations to ensure the development of the nation.

(NAN)