Federal Government to establish anti-Pipeline vandalism paramilitary force.

   A specialised paramilitary force is due to be established in the petroleum industry next year in a bid to ensure zero vandalism of pipelines and put an end to similar acts of sabotage of oil installations, particularly in the Niger Delta region.

   According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the force will comprise of coastal patrol teams, Niger Delta subsidiary police and other paramilitary agencies, as the government strives to increase the production of crude oil.

   In a statement, the oil corporation noted that in September, crude oil production inched up to 1.64 million barrels per day, representing 9.91 per cent increase relative to the August production, but 24.92 per cent lower than the September 2015 performance.