Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin has assured Nigerians that the security of oil pipelines remains a priority to the armed forces in the country.

Olonisakin gave the assurance in Abuja during a peaceful protest by members of the Niger Delta Environmental Protection Group and Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Activists to his office.

According to Olonisakin, the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy were doing everything possible to ensure the security of Nigerians, saying the constitutional responsibility of the armed forces to defend the country must be achieved.

Olonisakin said they have already sworn to defend Nigeria and we are going to defend her, urging Nigerians to continue to pray for the armed forces and show them support in carrying out their responsibility.

He also advised Nigerians to give necessary information to the military and other security agencies in the country at all times, saying the information would enable them conduct theirselves properly and do their work well in ensuring Nigerians were secured.

Olonisakin who spoke through Head of Civil-Military Affairs, Major-General Nuhu Angbazo expressed appreciation to the group for the peaceful protest and encouraged them to ensure they remained peaceful.

Leader of the group, Tochukwu Ohazuruike appealed to the Federal Government to clamp down on activities of oil thieves in oil producing states, saying the protest was to show appreciation to the military for the efforts they had put in to ensure security in the Niger Delta.