Magashi Highlights Defence Ministry’s Scorecard Between 2015 – 2023
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian Armed Forces have recovered crude oil products worth over N158 billion from oil thieves during various operations in the Niger Delta region, according to the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi.
In addition to seizing over six million barrels of crude oil, the troops also discovered and deactivated a total of 5,840 illegal refining sites since 2015.
Magashi made the announcement at the 25th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari scorecard (2015-2023) organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture in Abuja.
He also highlighted the administration’s achievements in addressing the country’s challenges, including the significant improvement in security and the degradation of insurgents and bandits, which has considerably curtailed crude oil theft.
READ ALSO: Buhari Considers Extending Validity of Old Naira Notes for 60 Days
Magashi further stated that no territory is currently under the control of any terrorist group, although 15 local government areas in the northeast were previously under the control of Boko Haram.
He also spoke about the procurement of military platforms, with the Nigerian Navy procuring 415 platforms since the inception of the current administration.
The Navy is expected to take delivery of two by 76m endurance offshore patrol vessels, two by 28m fast patrol craft, and 40 by 9m fast patrol boats, and 80 flat bottom boats in the coming months.
Magashi added that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acquired 38 brand new aircraft since 2015 to boost training and combat readiness.
The newly acquired aircraft included 10 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, five Mi-35M helicopter gunships, and two Bell 412 helicopters, among others.
The Minister listed three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft, four Agusta 109 Power attack helicopters, and more recently, 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft in addition to a number of Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs).
