The increase in crude oil production in Abia State, has been attributed to the engagement of a local security firm in the surveillance and protection of oil pipelines and installations in the state.
According to the Executive Director of Okposon Security Services, Mr David Nwogu, crude oil production in Abia State has increased from 8,000 /10,000 barrels per day it hovered before August 2024, to 32,000 barrels per day in less than six months.
Nwogu who made the revelation in a media chat at the Owaza, Ukwa West headquarters of the outfit, noted that oil theft had been a major setback for the socio-economic development of oil-producing communities, the oil sector and the Nigerian government.
Okposon Security Services is an indigenous private security outfit charged with the responsibility of protecting Imo River 1,2,3 and Isimiri Oil Fields to Imo Gate Manifold and Kokom Right of Way.
According to Nwogu, the firm’s job scope extends to the protection of oil and gas wells, Flowlines and Delivery lines respectively in Abia State down to Eche in Rivers State.
Nwogu explained that since the engagement of the security firm in August 2024, bunkering activities in the region had drastically reduced.
He said that the company which has 300 staff in its employ, decided to recruit youths from the local communities to help reduce the unemployment rate among them.
This, according to him, helped in motivating the indigenes to protect oil pipelines instead of resorting to vandalism as they now have a sense of belonging.
He argued that the best way to safeguard oil pipelines is by engaging indigenes who understand the terrain better than strangers.