Nigerian Army Dismisses Report Claiming COAS Raised Alarm Over Pipeline Vandalism

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Army has rejected a media report suggesting that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, raised concerns about rising pipeline vandalism during a recent visit to Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Saturday,by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army described the publication by Sahara Reporters — titled “Nigerian Army Chief Raises Alarm over Rising Pipeline Vandalism in Niger Delta” — as “misleading” and “malicious”, insisting it bore no resemblance to what transpired during the visit to 6 Division Headquarters.

According to the Army, the COAS did not express worry or raise any alarm over pipeline vandalism. Instead, he addressed troops on 9 January 2026 on the importance of safeguarding critical national infrastructure and maintaining discipline.

“You need to take your job very seriously, be disciplined, committed and dedicated to the mandate of this Division,” he told soldiers, adding that the protection of key infrastructure directly affects Nigeria’s economic stability.

General Shaibu said some welfare concerns raised by commanders — including accommodation — had already received approval for immediate action. He noted that additional housing, renovation work and completion of ongoing projects were part of efforts to address the issues. Education for soldiers’ children, he added, was also being looked into.

During an interaction with journalists, the Army Chief explained that his visit formed part of a routine tour of divisions to assess troop readiness and address operational challenges.
“I am here… for my maiden operational visit to see what the troops are doing, to look at their challenges and see how we can address them,” he said.

The Army emphasised that security assessments in the region show improved efforts in tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism — contrary to the claim that the COAS had raised an alarm. It said sustained operations had contributed to stabilising activities in the oil and gas sector.

It also called on residents of the Niger Delta to continue sharing credible intelligence with security agencies to support ongoing operations against economic sabotage.