By Faridat Salifu
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has expressed concern over the Federal Government’s decision to rely on a private security outfit, owned by a former militant leader, for the protection of oil pipelines in the Niger Delta.
The governor, speaking during the Chief of Naval Staff’s courtesy visit on Monday, emphasized the need for a review of the Federal Government’s security strategy, cautioning against potential security challenges arising from the use of unconventional security agents.
Governor Diri highlighted the importance of strengthening the Nigerian Navy to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters and critical national assets.
He expressed apprehension regarding human rights violations and security breaches committed by surveillance contractors in local communities.
The governor advocated against allowing non-state actors to independently execute oil pipeline surveillance and protection contracts, suggesting that the Nigerian Navy should assume this role for effective security.
Commending the professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy in Bayelsa, Governor Diri urged the Chief of Naval Staff to officially recognize and reward their efforts.
In response, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla acknowledged the strategic importance of Bayelsa due to its location and hosting of critical oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta.
He called for continued cooperation from the Bayelsa State Government and its people to enable the Navy to create an enabling environment for oil production.
Governor Diri’s concerns underscore the potential risks associated with involving non-state actors in pipeline protection and emphasize the importance of empowering conventional security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy, to maintain the security of critical national assets.
