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 Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that six soldiers lost their lives during an attack by ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province) and Boko Haram militants on a military base in Borno State. In a statement issued yesterday, DHQ reported that 34 terrorists were neutralized in the confrontation, with 23 AK-47 rifles and over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition recovered. The incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when a group of ISWAP/Boko Haram militants on motorcycles and gun trucks launched a surprise assault on troops stationed in Sabon Gari village, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack was reportedly a retaliation for the recent killing of one of their commanders and several combatants. However, the military foiled the ambush as patrol troops returning to base countered the assault swiftly. A reinforcement team, including elements from the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilantes, and hybrid forces, responded promptly, overwhelming the insurgents. During the operation, the reinforcement team encountered an improvised explosive device (IED), injuring the Vigilante Commander. Despite this, they managed to overpower the remaining terrorists. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI further targeted the fleeing militants, killing several and aiding in the successful recovery of weapons. While 34 terrorists were neutralized, six military personnel were tragically killed. DHQ noted that the names of the fallen soldiers are being withheld until their next of kin are officially informed, urging the media to respect the process. The military reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring national security, emphasizing its resolve to end insurgency in Nigeria. Since 2009, northern Nigeria has faced persistent attacks from jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as criminal groups. The conflict has led to over 40,000 deaths and the displacement of approximately two million people in the northeast. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorized enhanced retirement benefits for Nigerian Army Generals, including bulletproof SUVs and paid international medical trips, under the newly signed Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) for Armed Forces personnel. Key Retirement Benefits for Senior Officers Under the new policy, which took effect on December 14, 2024, retired military generals serving for 35 years are entitled to several luxury allowances, such as: Entitlements for Top Military Officers The Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) apply to the highest ranks of the Nigerian military: Benefits for Major-Generals and Brigadier-Generals Retirement Benefits for Colonels Colonels and equivalent ranks will receive: Policy Adjustment and Justification The upward revision of the HTACOS benefits aligns with Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities. The provision of luxurious retirement packages for senior military officers has been a longstanding practice, with the new adjustments aimed at reflecting modern standards of living. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
