Stakeholders Call for an End to Security Sabotage in the Fight Against Oil Theft
Prominent Niger Delta stakeholders, including retired military and police officials, have called on the Federal Government to stop using compromised security forces in the fight against oil theft. Brigadier General Idada Ikponmwen (retd.), retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Udom Ekpoudom, and other regional leaders expressed concerns about security officers leaking critical information to oil thieves instead of tackling the problem.
According to the stakeholders, corrupt military personnel in uniform collaborating with oil thieves will only worsen the crisis. They urged the government to identify and remove saboteurs within security agencies who protect criminal networks.
Tompolo Accuses Security Agencies of Complicity in Oil Theft
Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo and Chairman of Tantita Security Services, recently accused security agencies of aiding oil thieves. Speaking during a visit by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership to Oporoza, Delta State, Tompolo alleged that naval officers opened fire on Tantita Security operatives and other law enforcement agents while they intercepted a vessel involved in oil theft in Rivers and Delta states.
Tompolo lamented that corrupt officials in Lagos and Abuja are frustrating efforts to combat oil theft. He called on the NBA to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in addressing this issue, warning that unchecked oil theft could cripple Nigeria’s economy.
Ex-Army Provost Marshal Proposes Creation of Marine Forces
Retired Brigadier General Ikponmwen criticized Nigeria’s security system, stating that the Navy’s involvement in oil theft enforcement deviates from its primary role of protecting territorial waters. He recommended that Nigeria establish a dedicated marine force similar to the United States Marine Corps to handle oil-related crimes.
“Oil theft persists because those responsible for enforcing the law are deeply involved in the crime,” Ikponmwen stated, emphasizing that structural reforms are needed to fix the broken system.
Ex-DIG Warns Against Internal Sabotage Within Security Agencies
Retired DIG Udom Ekpoudom voiced concern over security personnel sharing classified information with criminals. He warned that oil theft will continue unless the government strictly punishes security officers found aiding criminals.
“You cannot claim to be fighting crime while being a criminal yourself. If Tompolo’s revelations are accurate, then urgent action must be taken to cleanse the security forces,” he said.
Experts Call for Transparent Oil Metering System
Former oil bunkerer Niyi Brador suggested that the government implement a transparent metering system to accurately track crude oil movement from extraction points. He argued that security forces should not be solely blamed, as corruption within the oil industry also plays a significant role in illegal activities.
Activist Saviour Akpan further revealed that powerful criminal networks infiltrate Nigeria’s security forces by strategically recruiting their members into law enforcement agencies. He also criticized the lack of patriotism among recruits and a flawed reward system that encourages corruption.
Oil Theft is a High-Level Organized Crime
Amaebi Clarkson, a former spokesman of the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), stated that small-scale oil thieves in the Niger Delta are not the masterminds behind the illicit trade. He accused high-profile figures in Lagos, Abuja, and foreign entities of running a sophisticated oil theft cartel.
Clarkson questioned why the Nigerian Navy, with its advanced surveillance technology, has been unable to track and apprehend oil thieves operating in Nigerian waters.
Meanwhile, Niger Delta activist Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe alleged that some powerful oil cabals are waging a smear campaign against Tompolo and Tantita Security Services. He urged Niger Delta youths to resist being used as political tools by corrupt entities seeking to undermine anti-theft operations.
Oil Theft: A Deeply Embedded National Crisis
Social justice advocate Zik Gbemre argued that oil theft is an institutionalized crime involving multiple stakeholders, including international oil companies (IOCs), militants, security officials, and top government figures. He emphasized that Tompolo’s allegations are not new, citing former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s past claims about military involvement in oil theft.
“The Nigerian military’s complicity in oil theft is undeniable. Defense authorities can no longer feign ignorance,” Gbemre asserted.
Conclusion
As calls for action grow louder, stakeholders stress that oil theft is not just a local problem but a highly coordinated economic crime involving top players in security, government, and business sectors. Proposed solutions include setting up a marine security force, implementing transparent oil metering systems, and enforcing strict penalties for corrupt security officers.
Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI
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