Army trains 60 soldiers to intensify war on oil theft

The Nigerian Army has trained 60 young soldiers to strengthen efforts to protect oil facilities and curb oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The soldiers, drawn from the 89 Regular Recruit Intake, completed the training barely two months after passing out from the Nigerian Army Depot. The exercise was held at the headquarters of the 3 Battalion Nigerian Army in Delta State.

The training was monitored by the Commander of 63 Brigade Nigerian Army, Morounfolu Shonibare, and the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Abdulaziz Haruna, alongside officials from other security agencies.

During the exercise, the soldiers were trained in crowd control, peace enforcement and anti-terrorism measures, with emphasis on protecting civilian lives and property while safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure.

Addressing the soldiers at their graduation on Monday, Shonibare described the training, which began on January 5, 2026, as a critical foundation for their military careers.

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“This occasion is not merely a graduation ceremony but a proud affirmation of your readiness to uphold the values and responsibilities expected of you as soldiers of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

He explained that the programme was designed to prepare the recruits for the challenges of military operations, particularly internal security and counter-insurgency duties in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

Shonibare noted that protecting the region, which serves as the economic backbone of the country due to its oil resources, was a national priority.

“The training you have acquired within the past seven weeks aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” he added.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Haruna, said the training was structured to equip the soldiers with essential skills, including internal security operations, counter-insurgency tactics, weapon handling and regimentation.

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He stressed the importance of protecting oil installations in the region and maintaining collaboration with other security agencies and private surveillance firms such as Tantita Security Services Limited.

Haruna urged the soldiers to remain committed to the unit’s motto, “Ever Ready,” and apply the knowledge gained during the seven-week training in the discharge of their duties.

Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long posed serious threats to Nigeria’s oil industry, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where criminal networks often tap pipelines and illegally refine crude oil.