Niger Delta Crude Oil Theft: Military Reaffirms Renewed Commitment In Dealing Ruthlessly With Culprits

In recent times, the Nigerian Military personnel operating in the Niger Delta region, particularly in Bayelsa State, have come under attack over alleged culpability in the recorded cases of crude oil theft and illegal bunkering which had led to huge loss in revenue to the nation.

While most of the claims have not been substantiated, the military authorities in the region have reportedly conducted an internal review of activities of its personnel deployed to the region. But the outcomes of such checks have remained shrouded in military procedures and secrecy.

However, during the flag-off the 2022 Operation Still Waters Exercise at the 16 Brigade Army Forward Operational Base, Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the Commander, 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yenagoa,  Brig. Gen. S.Y Yakasai, restated the renewed commitment of the military to deal ruthlessly with Personnel found culpable in the in crude oil theft and other criminal activities.

Brig. Gen. Yakasai said the Nigerian Army has been repositioned to deal decisively with such errant personnel found involved in such disgraceful conduct such as oil theft and other criminal activities.

He also called on stakeholders in the security subsector, to improve on the prevailing synergy among the various security agencies in the Niger Delta, thanking the Bayelsa State government for its support, and promising that the Nigerian Army would step up its collaborative efforts with other security agencies in the maintenance of peace and security.

He said, “The Nigerian Army has no place for any criminal. Anybody in Nigerian Army or any of the armed forces that is found wanting, as far as this operation is concerned, will be dealt with ruthlessly. But, I want to assure you that the level of discipline in the Nigerian Army today is unparalleled and I don’t think any of our personnel will allow himself to be involved in such [oil theft].”

On his part, the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, stressed that the peculiar security challenges of the region could be better addressed through a more cordial military-civil relationship.

Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, highlighted the challenges to include: pipeline vandalism, illegal oil refining, kidnapping, cultism and youth restiveness. He, however, acknowledged that the deployment of military forces and other security agencies have helped to stem the tide of criminal activities in the region.

Governor Diri, therefore, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Faruk Yahaya and the 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, for collaborating with other sister agencies to achieve the existing peace and security in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta in general.