Oil theft and associated illegalities in our nation’s waters have remained a bad thrust and affront against the country. While the Federal Government is working up itself to ensure oil theft is defeated, some of its security personnel are allegedly being fingered as aiding and abetting the situation. It has become so difficult to place a hand on the real culprits as those entrusted with safeguarding that front are themselves being accused.
Recently, the Military high command met in Abuja over oil theft and had marshaled plans on how it intends to confront the growing trend. We are still not sure if their intervention have made any difference going by the reports being received.
It is disturbing that a prominent ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has alleged that the Nigerian Navy is undermining efforts to combat crude oil theft in the region. His allegation has since been denied by the Naval authorities.
Receiving the national executive of the Nigerian Bar Association ,NBA, led by its National President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), at Oporoza, Warri South West LGA of Delta State, Ekpemupolo said the Navy was operating at cross-purpose with other state actors and private security outfit saddled with the surveillance over the nation’s economic assets in the Niger Delta.
Tompolo, accused the Navy of facilitating crude oil theft, collaborates with illegal oil barons and engaging in sharp practices related to petroleum products in the oil-rich belt
Osigwe, explained NBA’s mission in the area, adding, “Our branches in the oil-bearing areas should be interested in the issues of oil theft, which goes on in many communities because it has affected our national economy and also negatively impacted the ability of government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people”.
However, the Nigerian Navy spokesperson, Commodore Aiwuyo Aliu dismissed the allegations, assuring the public that the Navy remains committed to combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Aliu, cited recent successes, including the destruction of 23 illegal refinery sites, 30 ovens, 26 reservoirs, and 19 dugout pits in October 2024.
According to him, under Operation Delta Sanity, the Navy also recovered 77 sacks, 21 wooden boats, four jerry cans, four pumping machines, and large quantities of crude oil and automotive gas oil, AGO.
“These results have contributed to the increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production”, he said, referencing a recent announcement by the NNPC Limited Group CEO that the country’s crude oil output rose to 1.8 million barrels per day (mbd) in October 2024.
AljazirahNigeria join the well,meaning Nigerians to appeal to the military to uphold their principles of inviolable commitment to national values to safeguard the nation’s assets at all times.
It would be difficult to stem the tide if the men saddled with handling oil theft become accomplices in the milieu.
