PAP Administrator, High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Pledges Support to Defence Headquarters in Combating Oil Theft

Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team in its efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

During a courtesy visit by the monitoring team, led by Major General Jamil Jimoh, to the PAP office in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Otuaro emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling oil-related crimes and safeguarding critical infrastructure in the region.

In a statement released by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Otuaro’s Special Assistant on Media, the PAP Administrator, stressed the need to align efforts with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration prioritizes addressing regional challenges that threaten national and economic security.

“The PAP’s mission is closely tied to ensuring national and human security in the Niger Delta,” Otuaro stated. “We are fully prepared to partner with the monitoring team to eliminate oil theft and related activities. Our mandate under President Tinubu’s leadership includes collaboration for a more secure and productive oil sector.”

Dr. Otuaro lauded the nation’s recent milestone of achieving 1.8 million barrels per day in oil production, attributing the success to intensified efforts against oil theft. He expressed optimism about further growth as security measures are strengthened.

Highlighting PAP’s reintegration initiatives, Otuaro noted the programme’s focus on education, vocational training, and empowerment for former agitators, women, and other beneficiaries. He emphasized the need for sustained funding to expand the programme’s impact and foster long-term peace and stability.

Major General Jimoh praised Dr. Otuaro’s leadership and the PAP’s dedication to maintaining peace in the Niger Delta. “Visiting the PAP Administrator is essential because the programme has been instrumental in fostering peace in the region. His knowledge and guidance are invaluable to our mission,” Jimoh stated.

He commended the PAP’s role in addressing oil-related crimes and emphasized the significance of their partnership in ensuring sustainable growth in the oil sector.

The visit marked a strengthened relationship between the PAP and the Defence Headquarters Joint Monitoring Team, signalling a united front against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.