…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media. The issue of oil theft in Nigeria has gained significant attention through a series of high-profile meetings and public statements.
Asari Dokubo, a prominent Niger Delta leader and former agitator, has made serious accusations against the Nigerian military, pointing to their involvement at the core of the oil theft problem in the South-South region.
Dokubo asserts that a staggering 99 percent of oil theft can be traced back to the Nigerian military, particularly the army and navy.
Nigerian Navy Challenges Dokubo’s Claims
Responding to these allegations, the Nigerian Navy has called upon Dokubo to provide evidence to support his assertions.
Navy spokesman Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan has labeled the allegations as baseless and reckless, urging Dokubo to disclose the identities of the officers allegedly involved in crude oil theft.
The Navy plays an active role in combating oil theft and treats any accusations of its involvement with utmost seriousness.
President Tinubu Engages with Niger Delta Leaders
Simultaneously, President Bola Tinubu has been engaging in meetings with key figures from the Niger Delta region, including Asari Dokubo.
Although the exact agenda of these meetings remains undisclosed, it is believed that they are part of the president’s ongoing consultations with opinion leaders from the Niger Delta.
Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to combating crude oil theft in the country and has also met with other influential individuals from the region, such as Chief Timi Alaibe, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and Dr. Dakuku Peterside, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Extent of Oil Theft Revealed
Recent news reports have shed light on the significant issue of oil theft in Nigeria.
Illegal oil pipelines have been uncovered in the Niger Delta region, exposing the magnitude of the problem.
Another alarming revelation surfaced, unveiling an undetected illegal connection from one of Nigeria’s major oil export terminals to the sea, which had been operational for nine years.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has also reported that individuals from various societal levels are stealing a staggering 200,000 barrels of crude oil on a daily basis.
Addressing the Complex Oil Theft Challenge
These developments underscore the complexity of the oil theft issue in Nigeria.
As the nation grapples with this challenge, the government and the military face mounting pressure to address the allegations and find a sustainable solution.
Both Nigerians and the international community closely monitor the unfolding situation, expecting effective actions to combat oil theft and safeguard the country’s valuable resources.
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