Crude oil theft remains a significant issue in Nigeria, with security operatives—who are supposed to prevent the crime—reportedly facilitating and profiting from the illegal trade. Investigations reveal that oil thieves pay levies to build refining camps and receive protection, while armed personnel escort stolen crude shipments under the cover of night. Despite the efforts of security firms like Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), oil theft continues due to deep-rooted corruption within the system. Security Forces Enabling Oil Bunkering Leaked Intelligence and Bribery Former oil bunkerers have exposed how some security personnel, including military officers, facilitate and profit from crude oil theft. These officials not only accept bribes to protect illegal operations but also leak intelligence to oil thieves, warning them of impending raids. According to a former oil bunkerer in Delta State, Fumilayo: “The Navy coordinated our business from the start. We paid them before setting up refining camps and for every boatload of crude we moved. If you don’t settle them, they will destroy your camp.” Some of these illegal camps are reportedly owned by both serving and retired military officers who employ skilled artisans and locals to refine stolen crude. Oil Theft Routes and Security Involvement Edo State: Midnight Escorts for Oil Smugglers In Edo State, armed personnel reportedly escort stolen crude shipments through oil palm plantations to avoid detection. A former insider disclosed: “They disguised petroleum product movements as regular plantation transport. This ensured safe passage after negotiations with security officers.” The Gelegele–Ofunama axis is a well-known smuggling route where oil thieves transport diesel in drums, jerricans, and specially designed containers between 1 AM and 3 AM. Local vigilante groups are also sometimes compromised to allow free passage. Akwa Ibom: Settling Security Commanders An ex-agitator in Akwa Ibom revealed two primary methods of crude oil theft: He explained: “To operate freely, you must settle security commanders. These commanders control access to key locations, and without their approval, your activities are at risk.” Bunkerers often pay over ₦100,000 in tolls at various security checkpoints along river routes. Insider Leaks and Protection for Oil Thieves Nimi Brador, a former supervisor of an illegal refining camp in Rivers and Bayelsa, stated that local community informants and security operatives acted as spies for oil thieves. “Before the military arrived, we would be warned by insiders. Some security officials also owned illegal refining camps.” TSSNL operatives investigating these cases confirm that high-ranking security officials frequently obstruct crackdowns. Security Agencies’ Crackdown on Oil Theft Despite these deep-rooted networks, the Nigerian military and security agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle illegal refining sites. In recent operations across Edo, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, they:✅ Dismantled 13 illegal bunkering hubs✅ Seized 300,000 liters of stolen crude✅ Arrested 15 oil thieves✅ Destroyed over 150 makeshift refining ovens Major Arrests and Recoveries ? Edo State: 252,000 liters of stolen crude oil recovered in Ugo Community.? Delta State: A 30,000-liter tanker siphoning crude intercepted.? Rivers State: Multiple refining sites dismantled along the Imo River.? Akwa Ibom: Over 30 polythene bags of illegally refined diesel seized. The fight against oil theft is ongoing, but the involvement of security operatives in the crime raises concerns about the effectiveness of these crackdowns. The Road Ahead: Curbing Oil Theft in Nigeria Stakeholders believe that organizations like TSSNL have significantly reduced oil theft. However, more needs to be done to eliminate corruption within security agencies. ✅ Stricter monitoring of security personnel✅ Deployment of independent security agencies for oil facility protection✅ Stronger legal action against compromised officials The next report will explore how the Federal Government can combat oil theft through collaborative efforts with Niger Delta leaders and security agencies. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Nigerian Army has reported the capture of a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, in the North West. This success, achieved as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, marks a significant step in weakening the operational capacity of terrorist groups across the country, as noted in a statement from Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations. Habu Dogo, who is on the watch list of security agencies in both Nigeria and Niger for his cross-border activities, was arrested in Rumji Village, located in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State. Additionally, in the South East, security forces apprehended seven commanders and members of the IPOB/ESN, including individuals such as Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, known as Chapet, in Anambra State. Others detained include Ngozi Chukwuka and Oyekachi Ohia in Abia, as well as Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba in Umunneochi, Abia. Another individual, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, was captured in Orsu, Imo State. Throughout this period, 187 insurgents were neutralized, and 262 individuals were detained. Additionally, 39 oil thieves were apprehended, and 147 kidnapped individuals were rescued. In the South-South region, troops prevented oil theft valued at approximately N1.2 billion and recovered a variety of weapons and ammunition, including 205 firearms and over 5,000 rounds of ammunition. READ ALSO: EndBadGovernance Protest: Nigerians condemn treason trial of minors, labels Tinubu “brutal dictator A detailed breakdown of the recovered weapons includes G3 rifles, AK47s, pistols, and several types of locally made firearms, along with thousands of rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Troops also seized communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones. Operations in the Niger Delta region led to the destruction of 49 illegal oil cooking ovens, numerous storage facilities, and 98 unauthorized refining sites. The recovered items in this region include boats, vehicles, and significant quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), totaling over a million liters. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our Newsletter Join our WhatsApp Channel Here
