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.
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, on Tuesday, 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.
He accused the Navy of facilitating crude oil theft and engaging in sharp practices related to petroleum products in the oil-rich belt.
He further alleged that the navy collaborates with illegal oil barons, thereby sabotaging the nation’s economy.
However, the Nigerian Navy spokesperson, Commodore Aiwuyo Aliu, has 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.
Ekpomukpolo didn’t also spare the NBA, adding that its members made their services available to arrested oil thieves.
He added, “If we happen to arrest anybody, he will get a lawyer from Abuja, Lagos or Ibadan to deploy all legal nuances to secure his freedom.”
In his response, Osigwe hailed Tantita and other stakeholders for attaining 1.8 million barrels of crude oil per day.
He promised that the NBA would collaborate with Tantita and other stakeholders to stamp out the menace of crude oil theft in the region.
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.”
