The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, highlighted the challenges faced by the Nigerian military in permanently ending oil bunkering and theft in the Niger Delta region. General Musa, appearing on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, explained that communities in the Niger Delta region often “protect” individuals involved in oil bunkering and assist in rebuilding illegal oil refineries after military operations destroy them. He expressed concern over the recurring problem, emphasizing that Nigeria is losing significant amounts of money due to illegal activities such as crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
General Musa noted that despite ongoing efforts to destroy illegal oil refineries, the individuals engaged in crude oil theft have developed the capacity to quickly rebuild these refineries. He cited instances where pipelines were broken several kilometers away and connected to individual houses for the illegal transportation of crude oil.
The Chief of Defence Staff urged Nigerians to report individuals involved in illegal activities to the military, emphasizing that the fight against crude oil theft would be more effective with the cooperation of the local population. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the military, stating, “We cannot be everywhere. If Nigerians report these issues to us, we will be able to address them.”
Crude oil theft has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, impacting the country’s economy. The federal government has taken measures, such as awarding pipeline surveillance contracts, to address the problem, but challenges persist.
