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Tag: Oil theft

  • Stakeholders back military’s crackdown on oil thieves, vandals in Niger Delta 

    Stakeholders back military’s crackdown on oil thieves, vandals in Niger Delta 

    Stakeholders under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) have commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa and all the dedicated troops under his leadership for their decisive actions against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

    MOSIEND said the ongoing renewed and assertive approach adopted by the military to end economic sabotage had provided the much-needed boost of confidence for the communities of the Niger Delta.

    Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, MOSIEND’s President, Kennedy Tonjo West, said Niger Delta communities had long witnessed and endured the economic and environmental devastation caused by criminal activities in the region.

    But West said General Musa’s public declaration to end the menace signalled a resolve to halt the looting of the nation’s resources and protect the region from environmental devastation.

    He recalled that right from the moment the CDS declared that “oil thieves’ days are numbered”, there had been consistent onslaughts against saboteurs.

    West said: “This firm approach aligns with the government’s objective of reaching the country’s oil production target of 2.1million barrels per day, a crucial goal for Nigeria’s economic stability.

    “MOSIEND views this as a decisive step towards restoring security and economic strength in the region, an area rich in resources but historically plagued by exploitation and environmental degradation.

    “The illegal siphoning and vandalism of oil infrastructures have severely affected the livelihoods of people in the Niger Delta, resulting in an economic burden not only for the local communities but also for the country at large. 

    “Years of unchecked oil theft have led to significant financial losses, deterred potential investors, and caused devastating environmental harm. MOSIEND’s endorsement of the CDS’s actions is rooted in its mission to ensure peace, economic justice, and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta” 

    West said MOSIEND was ready to partner with the authorities to bring long-term solutions that would benefit both the local communities and the national economy.

    He said: “MOSIEND’s recognition of the task force’s efforts reflects a broader optimism that the Niger Delta’s resources can be protected and managed more sustainably. A strengthened security presence around oil installations promises not only to safeguard these assets but also to boost investor confidence.

    “This, in turn, could generate job opportunities and foster social stability in the region. MOSIEND believes that the visible impact of these improvements underscores the importance of governmental accountability and transparency in handling resources critical to the national economy.

    Read Also: Niger Delta safer with NDDC, group assures

    “The organisation has called upon all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society, and government agencies, to unite in support of these security measures. MOSIEND emphasizes that only through collective action can the Niger Delta secure its resources and restore its environment for future generations”.

    West noted that the CDS’ intervention, bolstered by community cooperation, could serve as a blueprint for achieving sustainable peace and security in Nigeria’s resource-rich but troubled regions.

    “In an era where economic security is as crucial as territorial security, MOSIEND’s statement reflects the importance of cohesive national and local efforts to address challenges threatening Nigeria’s oil industry.

    “The commitment from the Chief of Defence Staff and MOSIEND’s collaborative stance represent a shared vision for a safer, more prosperous Niger Delta—one where resources are used to uplift communities rather than to fuel criminal enterprises. 

    “MOSIEND’s support for the task force’s efforts is a testament to the power of unified action in the face of adversity and an essential step toward reclaiming the region’s future”, he said.

  • Oil theft: Police arrest four suspects operating illegal petroleum refinery

    Oil theft: Police arrest four suspects operating illegal petroleum refinery

    …as IGP re-echoes fight against economic saboteurs

    The Inspector–General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (STFPIB), has arrested four suspects for oil theft, illegal bunkering, and economic sabotage.

    The arrest was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, on 12th September 2024.

    A storage facility in Trans Amadi, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, used in dealing and processing illegally acquired Crude oil was discovered by the team.

    The four suspects arrested are; Emmanuel Nwachi ‘m’ 58 years; Adamu Bala ‘m’ 35 years; Nura Musa ‘m’ 22 years; Bashir Abubakar ‘m’ 28 years.

    Read Also: FG’s six free CNG conversion centres for vehicles in Lagos

    The police operatives also recovered 40,000 Liters of petroleum products, stored in 67 white storage tanks.

    The team however destroyed the site and recovered the equipment and machines used in committing these crimes.

    A statement issued in Abuja on Friday, September 13, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM., has reemphasized the commitment of the Force to tackling every form of crime, criminality and corruption, extending to those involved in this economic sabotage. The Force remains unyielding and will continue to bring these perpetrators to book”.

  • Oil theft: DHQ raises joint monitoring team

    Oil theft: DHQ raises joint monitoring team

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday moved to fortify oil facilities in the Niger Delta against theft and vandalism with the inauguration of a Defence Monitoring Team for the ongoing military operations in the region.

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, who inaugurated the team at the Headquarters of 6 Division Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, said the role of the monitoring team was essentially to “optimize military and security agencies operations within the oil-producing region.”

    He said the objective of the team was to assess the performance of the military and report to commanders for enhancement.

    The Nation reports that in July, Security chiefs harmonized their strategies toward clearing the Niger Delta of crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements fleecing the country.

    The decision followed the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that crude exploration and exploitation in the oil-rich region must be made seamless and lives protected.

    In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, the CDS said the collaborative efforts between the military and other security agencies to increase oil production has “greatly enhanced daily oil production” in the region.

    He said the DHQ aimed to foster the collective effort between the agencies “without assigning blame, in ensuring that everyone fulfills their designated constitutional responsibilities.”

    The Defence chief urged the team to synergize with the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation DELTA SAFE and other security agencies, and stakeholders in the oil sector to ensure seamless operations.

    He said the team was already aware of President Tinubu’s directive and mandate to the security agencies to raise oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day.

    Read Also: Omokri: Tinubu deserves no blame for NNPCL business decisions

    Gen. Musa, who expressed confidence in the team’s ability, emphasizing their commitment and loyalty to constituted authority.

    Team Chairman Maj.- Gen. Jamiu Jimoh pledged to work relentlessly to achieve its mandate.

    He acknowledged the team had received “substantial support and cooperation” from troops and other security agencies in the region.

    Fubara, CDS unite

    The CDS and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, vowed to collaborate in the battle against economic sabotage.

    The duo made the pledge when the CDS-led Joint Federal Government Team on Security of National Assets delegation visited Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    A statement signed by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the governor recounted how some elements attempted to sabotage his efforts to tackle illegal bunkering in the state.

    He expressed delight that the efforts were yielding successes and that the results would be sustained against all odds.

    Fubara said he was encouraged by the commendable interest shown by the Presidency that had constituted the Niger Delta Monitoring Team tasked with the mandate to curb oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil in the entire region.

    The governor restated his resolve to ensure that everything went on well by providing the needed state government’s support that would contribute to increasing crude oil production.

  • DHQ inaugurates joint monitoring team for oil theft

    DHQ inaugurates joint monitoring team for oil theft

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has inaugurated Defence Monitoring Team for the ongoing military operations against oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

    The team was inaugurated at the Headquarters of 6 Division Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the role of the monitoring team was essentially to “optimise military and security agencies operations within the oil-producing region.”

    He said the objective of the team was to assess the performance of the military and report to commanders for enhancement. 

    The Nation reports that Security chiefs, in July, harmonised their strategies toward clearing the Niger Delta of crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements fleecing the country.

    The decision followed the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that crude exploration and exploitation in the oil-rich region must be made seamless and lives protected. 

    Gen. Musa in a statement by Director of Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, said collaborative efforts between the military and other security agencies to increase oil production has “greatly enhanced daily oil production” in the region. 

    He said the DHQ aimed to foster the collective effort between the agencies “without assigning blame, in ensuring that everyone fulfills their designated constitutional responsibilities.”

    Read Also: Oil theft: Navy arrests six suspects, recovered stolen crude

    The defence chief urged the team to synergize with the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation DELTA SAFE and other security agencies, and stakeholders in the oil sector to ensure seamless operations. 

    He said the team was already aware of President Tinubu’s directive and mandate to the security agencies to increase oil production to 2.2 million barrels per day. 

    Gen. Musa expressed confidence in the team’s ability, emphasizing their commitment and loyalty to constitutional authority. 

    The Chairman of the team, Maj- Gen. Jamiu Jimoh, pledged that the team would work relentlessly to achieve it’s mandate.

    He acknowledged the team had received “substantial support and cooperation” from troops and other security agencies in the region.

  • Oil theft: Navy arrests six suspects, recovered stolen crude

    Oil theft: Navy arrests six suspects, recovered stolen crude

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) said it arrested six suspected oil thieves, recovered stolen crude and destroyed illegal refining sites in Bayelsa State.

    This was contained in a statement on Wednesday evening by Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu.

    According to him, the arrests and recoveries were made during operations undertaken between August 29 and September 2 by naval operatives deployed for Operation DELTA SANITY.

    Adams-Aliu said the six suspects were held with 109 sacks of illegally refined petroleum products along the Ogboinbiri-Kasama-Azama-Isoni of Bayelsa State on August 31, adding that four fibre and two wooden boats were also recovered the same day on the axis.

    Read Also: Buhari mourns victims of Yobe terrorist attack

    He said seven large Cotonou and two fibre boats operated by armed criminals loading crude oil from an illegal point around the Botokiri axis of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State were seized on August 29.

    “On September1, two wooden boats and 328 sacks of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil were seized at Otuogori community river bank in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    “On 2 September, 35 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in a wooden boat were seized at Gbaraun area of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
    “These successes indicate the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SANITY, and the resolve of the Nigerian Navy to sustain current efforts to rid Nigeria’s maritime environment of the menace of crude oil theft and enhance crude oil production,” said Adams-Aliu.

  • Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea to tackle oil theft with joint patrols

    Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea to tackle oil theft with joint patrols

    The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru Mohammed, has revealed that Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are in discussions to strengthen defence co-operation, including joint patrols to combat oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea.

    Speaking to journalists after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s engagements in Malabo, Badaru confirmed that a joint committee is being constituted to oversee joint patrols, policing, and security on their shared borders and the Gulf of Guinea. 

    He expressed optimism that the collaboration will yield robust engagement and effective prevention of illegal activities in the region.

    “There are discussions on defense agreement, not signed yet, but there is a joint committee for joint patrol, policing and security on our borders and the Gulf of Guinea, and that discussion is on

    “When constituted, I’m sure we will have robust engagement or patrols on the sea that will prevent all illegalities happening around the Gulf of Guinea”, he said.

    When asked if the agreement would address oil theft, Badaru replied, “yes, this is part of it. The security patrol will certainly check illegal movements of crude oil from both countries, which will really help reduce the illegal movement of illegal oil”. 

    The proposed joint effort aims to curb the scourge of oil theft, a major challenge facing both nations, and other forms of illegal activities in the maritime environment.

  • Reps panel launches probe into viability of MPS oil theft detection system

    Reps panel launches probe into viability of MPS oil theft detection system

    The House of Representatives Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft on Wednesday constituted a sub-committee to separately probe the viability of Molecular Power System (MPS) oil theft detection system.

    Chairman of the Committee, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, made this known during a hearing at the National Assembly Complex.

    Represented by Hon Sada Solo, he said it has become to consider whether or not to continue with the system.

    Read Also: NSITF chief Faleye calls for enhanced employer-employee relations

    He said it has become pertinent due to the zero recovery recorded so far from the multi million contract.

    He said the contract which has a retainer fee of $5 million has nothing to show for it.

    Solo questioned if despite the plethora of oil theft detection systems employed by the relevant stakeholders, it was necessary to retain the revenue draining MPS detection system which has not recorded any success.

    In a separate engagement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, the anti-graft agency made a strong case for the establishment of specialized courts to try cases of those apprehended for oil theft and related crimes to facilitate recoveries.

  • Onslaught on oil theft, vandalism boosting production, says Kyari

    Onslaught on oil theft, vandalism boosting production, says Kyari

    • Output hit 1.3mbpd from 1.27mbpd

    The Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, yesterday said the military and other security officials’ efforts in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country are yielding positive results.

    According to the NNPCL boss, the renewed fight against the menace has yielded improved growth in the nation’s crude oil production.

    Kyari disclosed this when he received the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, who led senior military officers on a courtesy visit to his office yesterday.

    In a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL boss, while encouraging the military to sustain the war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, said: “I personally call for enhanced and sustained security engagement. This is because we have reached a new peak in production that we haven’t seen in the last three years. This is clearly related to the sustained efforts by the armed forces and other security agencies to protect our critical assets, particularly the pipeline infrastructure in specified areas where we are working closely with these agencies. We are already seeing the results transforming into increased production.”

    Kyari also commended the CDS and his team for their unwavering commitment to securing the nation’s critical hydrocarbon assets especially in the Niger Delta region in recent months, emphasising that these achievements are not only crucial to Nigeria but also to the global energy community. He expressed confidence that the CDS and his team will deliver on the Presidential mandate to mitigate security-related challenges affecting the nation’s crude oil production. “Components of this effort that depend on security are being effectively managed by you. Your coordinated and focused response is paving the way for improved security engagement, particularly in the Niger Delta,” he said.

    Read Also: Crude oil theft is a triangle, we must avoid sacred cows, says retired AVM Apochi

    Kyari’s claim of increased production output was substantiated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). OPEC, which obtains its production data from two sources- direct communication, that is, from member countries and secondary communication, such as energy intelligence platforms, Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production has been on the rise.

    Relying on direct sources, the oil cartel said Nigeria’s oil production increased to 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, representing a 2.36 per cent rise from the 1.27 million bpd recorded in June. However, OPEC said secondary sources reported that Nigeria’s crude production increased by 0.74 percent to 1.38 million bpd from 1.36 million bpd reported in June. Consequently, the current production figure means that Nigeria retained its position as the biggest oil producer in Africa, surpassing Angola, which produced 909,000 bpd in July, and Congo, which produced 257,000 bpd in July.

    Responding to Kyari, General Musa said the visit was intended to introduce the Monitoring Team to the NNPCl, which will be responsible for interfacing with the Company and other stakeholders in the oil-producing regions to secure the nation’s critical hydrocarbon infrastructure.

    While pledging commitment towards improving security and the performance of his troops, the CDS said the military will sustain the onslaught and analyse the troops’ capabilities to enhance their performance and bolster productivity. The CDS also stressed the need to ramp up production for a prosperous economy and reassured collaboration with intelligence agencies, private security, state governments and host communities for enhanced performance.

    “Working in silos won’t give us the best results. I want to assure you that we will collaborate with the necessary stakeholders to achieve our set targets as mandated by Mr. President,” Gen Musa said.

  • IG rejigs Petroleum Task Force to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism

    IG rejigs Petroleum Task Force to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism

    Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun yesterday named Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bayonle Kafar Sulaiman as the Commanding Officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB).

    It was part of efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

    According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), DCP Suleiman has exhibited his prowess in similar task force operations.

    He was previously Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos.

    ACP Adejobi said as Commanding Officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IG has ordered him to lead the task force on the mission to combat illegal activities in the petroleum industry, including oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

    The IG has also condemned the trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering which pose significant threats to the environment, economy and energy security.

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    He emphasized that these illegal activities not only result in significant financial losses but also devastating environmental consequences, including oil spills, pollution, and habitat destruction.

    IG Egbetokun orders the Commander to hold firmly the reins of the office and ensure deterrence by prosecuting all individuals found culpable, and deploy his assets to prevent economic sabotage in the upper and downstream of the oil sector.

    The IG further appealed to all relevant stakeholders in the oil industry and well-meaning Nigerians to work hand-in-hand with the police and other security agencies to collectively curb the menace of oil theft by sharing credible intelligence with security agencies.

  • CDS raises joint security force in renewed anti-oil theft battle

    CDS raises joint security force in renewed anti-oil theft battle

    • Military chiefs, NNPCL perfect strategy
    • Target is to meet oil production quota

    Security chiefs have harmonised their strategies toward clearing the Niger Delta of crude oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements fleecing the country.

    The decision followed the directive by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that crude exploration and exploitation in the oil-rich region must be made seamless and lives protected.

    The security chiefs, who met with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari in Abuja yesterday, declared an integrated battle plan under a joint task force. 

    They sought the understanding of Niger Delta communities in carrying out the presidential directive.

    Speaking to reporters, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, said: “We know that Nigeria relies so much on what we can produce. We appeal to the communities to have an understanding.

    “Yes, we know trust has been a problem, but they can trust us, they can trust the government that we want to do things differently.

    “Everyone will be carried along, everyone has a role to play; it is not only for the security agencies alone.

    “We need the communities to understand that pipeline vandalism and all the hazards being caused are also affecting them directly and we need to stop that.  

    “I can assure you within the next shortest possible time, you will see results.’’

    Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said the security services and agencies agreed at the meeting that all must come together to solve the problems inhibiting oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta.

    Egbetokun said there was a need to take every necessary step to address all the issues.

    He assured that results would be visible in the days ahead.

    Read Also: Tinubu orders CDS to curb oil theft, vandalism in Niger Delta

    The IGP said: “We accept that we have challenges, but we must all come together to solve them.

    “We need the cooperation of all agencies and citizens. We need to take every step that we need to take to address all these issues.

    “I assure you that in the days ahead, you are going to see results.

    “Whatever is happening in the Southsouth has been ongoing for such a very long time. And we feel it is high time that it is stopped.

    “What we are promising Nigerians is that henceforth, the entire Southsouth will be cleared of any acts of vandalism or criminality.

    “As we said, the President gave us the mandate to ensure that we secure the entire Southsouth and to enable NNPC and others to carry out their tasks so that we can have improved production.”

    Kyari said oil theft and other crimes in the Niger Delta must be curbed for the nation to achieve desired economic stability. 

    He said: “We are here to engage with the CDS based on the directive of the President to the CDS to take control of the crisis we are having in the Niger Delta operational area.

    “Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have become national issues. The president directed the CDS to contain all issues affecting crude oil operations within the shortest possible time so that we can restore national production to the level he (president)  and the country is expecting.

    “To do this, he (CDS) needs the coordination and cooperation of the armed forces and other security agencies like the police, the DIA (Defence Intelligence Agency) and the DSS (Department of State Services).

    ‘’It is the survival of our country that is at stake today. Without restoring oil and gas production, we cannot have the economic stability that we desire.

    “The President is focused on this to deliver value to our country.

    “It is impossible to do this without settling the crisis around our operational areas.

    “We are already seeing progress; we are seeing substantial value that is being created by the coordination but we are very convinced that a solution is in sight. “

    Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Ogbonnaya Orji, said on Monday that the country lost $ 1.84 billion worth of petroleum products from refineries in nine years.