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By Kabir Abdulsalam
The Nigerian military has called for greater transparency from International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the deployment of accurate metering systems to tackle crude oil theft in the Niger Delta Region.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the appeal in Abuja while briefing the media on troops’ operations in six geopolitical zones.
General Buba noted that the need for cooperation from stakeholders in the oil sector and local communities to combat oil theft. He noted that the military will enforce monitoring and prosecution of culprits involved in crude oil theft.
He said in August 2024, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 54 individuals involved in crude oil theft, denied 3,776,500 litres of crude oil, and recovered assorted ammunition and destroyed illegal refining sites.
Recalled that in July Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, accused IOCs of manipulating prices and obstructing crude oil supply to refineries.
While reacting to this allegation, the House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the allegations
Buba assured that troops are intensifying operations in the North West, North Central, South East, and South South to defeat and dismantle the threat posed by oil thieves and terrorists.
“In the month of August 2024, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE arrested 54 persons involved in crude oil theft and denied the oil theft of 3,776,500 litres of crude oil, 800,800 litres of AGO, 100 litres of DPK and 27,500 litres of PMS.
“Troops recovered 163 assorted ammunition and destroyed 94 wooden boats as well as 339 illegal refining sites.
Others recoveries made include over 3,776,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 801,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, 100 litres of DPK and 27,500 litres of PMS amongst other item,” Buba said.
