The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed reports alleging that the Chief of Army Staff raised alarm over rising pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, describing the claims as misleading, malicious and a deliberate attempt at narrative blackmail.
Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
Time: 20:11 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The Army said the reports falsely attributed statements to the Chief of Army Staff that were never made, warning that such misrepresentation undermines public trust and distorts ongoing security realities in the region.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS did not, at any point during his operational visit to 6 Division, Port Harcourt, raise concerns or issue alarms over increasing pipeline vandalism as widely reported.
While addressing troops, the Army Chief emphasised the strategic importance of protecting critical national infrastructure, noting that effective security operations directly support Nigeria’s economic stability.
“Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country,” the COAS said.
He further charged troops to remain disciplined, committed and dedicated to their mandate, while assuring them that welfare issues remained a top command priority under his leadership.
“Be assured I will take care of your welfare issues, which are topmost priorities as captured in my Command Philosophy,” he stated.
The COAS disclosed that several challenges raised by commanders during the visit, including accommodation shortages, were addressed immediately, with approvals granted for new construction, renovation of existing quarters and completion of ongoing projects.
“Once this is done, it will go a long way in mitigating some of the accommodation challenges that are here,” he added.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Army Chief explained that his visit was part of routine operational engagements aimed at interacting with troops, assessing combat readiness and identifying challenges requiring swift intervention.
“Normally, I go round various Divisions to see officers and men, interact with them and ensure their combat readiness,” he said.
The Nigerian Army stressed that security indicators across the Niger Delta point to sustained and commendable efforts in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism, contributing to improved stability and continued exploration activities in the oil and gas sector.
The Army cautioned media organisations against what it described as arm twisting narratives, urging them to verify facts before publication and to avoid projecting adversarial postures that distort operational realities.
Members of the public were urged to disregard misleading reports and to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence on the activities of economic saboteurs to ensure prompt response.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, COAS, Niger Delta, Pipeline Vandalism, Media Misinformation, Army Public Relations
#Nigeria #NigerianArmy #COAS #NigerDelta #MediaMisinformation #ZigDiariesDefence
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