Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has called for a more coordinated strategy to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure from vandalism, crude theft, sabotage and emerging security threats.

Musa made the call during a high level stakeholders meeting at the Headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt. He said the protection of strategic national assets requires stronger collaboration among government agencies, security forces, industry operators and host communities.

The minister warned that threats to oil facilities are becoming more complex, including the use of explosives in attacks on pipelines. He said Nigeria must respond with improved intelligence sharing, modern surveillance systems and more effective coordination among relevant institutions.

Participants at the meeting linked recent improvements in crude oil production to better cooperation among security agencies, operators and host communities. They agreed to strengthen a proactive, intelligence led and technology enabled security framework while sustaining engagement with communities in the Niger Delta.

In a related development, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede called for a resilient and adaptive African security architecture during the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Luanda, Angola.

Oluyede said African states must strengthen regional intelligence, improve border management, invest in strategic defence partnerships and disrupt terrorism financing networks. He also commended Nigeria’s defence partnership with the United States, saying it has improved operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism.

Separately, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu inaugurated several projects at the Headquarters of the 6 Division in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army’s 163rd anniversary.

The projects include a command and administrative centre, detention facility, officers’ accommodation, regimental sergeant major accommodation and a soldiers’ club. Shaibu said the projects reflect the Army’s soldier first culture and its commitment to welfare, morale and operational efficiency.