ABUJA – Following the frequent bombings and
destruction of oil and gas installation in the Niger
Delta region, President Muhammadu Buhari has
said that the intention of the militants allegedly
behind the attacks was to colonize Nigeria
economically.
This was even as he solicited the help of Germany to
curb oil theft in Nigeria through assistance in the
areas of equipment, training, and sharing of
intelligence with the Nigeria Navy.
The President spoke Monday when he received the
Foreign Minister of Federal Republic of Germany, Dr
Frank-Walters Steinmeier, at State House, Abuja.
“Nigeria’s oil is stolen and taken away through the
Gulf of Guinea. Adequate training and equipping of
our navy will prevent this,” the President said.
He told the visiting minister that the security
challenge in the North-east of the country was under
control, with Boko Haram largely defeated, “but
another serious form of insecurity has reared its
head in the Niger Delta. The objective is to colonize
the country economically by sabotaging oil and gas
installations. We are trying to speak with their
leaders, to know how many groups there are, and
we are also working with the oil companies.”
“The militants engage in sophisticated sabotage,
using skills they had gained from trainings either by
government, or the oil companies, to vandalize
installations deep in the sea. We need to understand
who the real agitators are, and engage with them, so
that confidence can be restored in the region,” the
President added.
President Buhari said the Niger Delta situation was
more complex, since the militants had no central
command, and some of them were mere
extortioners, but promised that a handle would be
found to the unrest soon.
Dr Steinmeier, in his response, said Germany was
happy to hear of the strides taken by the Buhari
administration against insurgents in the North-east,
adding that they were equally willing to lend a
helping hand in resolving the crisis in the Niger
Delta.
Applauding the war against corruption, Dr.
Steinmeier said it had his country’s support, adding
that Germany was also interested in investing in
renewable energy, gas exploration, mining, among
others, to boost Nigeria’s economy.
“Germany will support development in Nigeria. We
want closer cooperation on migration issues,
urbanization, and supporting the navy with
equipment, training and intelligence, “the Foreign
Minister said.