The Nigerian Army has been accused of engaging in oil theft
By Controversy Surrounds Nigerian Army’s Alleged Involvement in Oil Theft
The Nigerian Army has been accused of engaging in oil theft, a claim that has been vehemently denied by the army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima. The accusation surfaced after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) revealed that the army was among the security agencies involved in the protection of oil installations in the Niger Delta.
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has been plagued by oil theft for years, causing significant economic losses for the country. The government has been working to curb the menace, and security agencies have been deployed to protect oil installations in the region. However, there have been allegations of collusion between some security agencies and oil thieves.
In response to the accusations, Yerima stated that the Nigerian Army has a strict code of conduct and that no soldier has ever been involved in oil theft. He emphasized that the army has been carrying out its duty of protecting oil installations in the Niger Delta and would continue to do so in line with its mandate. He also pointed out that the army has been working in collaboration with other security agencies to protect oil installations in the region.
The NNPC has stated that it is working with the security agencies to ensure that oil theft is eradicated in the Niger Delta. The corporation has also called for increased vigilance and collaboration among all stakeholders in the fight against oil theft. The government must also provide the necessary support and resources to enable the security agencies to carry out their duties effectively.
It is important for the security agencies involved in the protection of oil installations to be transparent in their operations and to work in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure that oil theft is eradicated in the Niger Delta. With a concerted effort, oil theft can be eliminated, and the Niger Delta can become a hub of economic activity for Nigeria.
In conclusion, the accusation of the Nigerian Army engaging in oil theft is a serious one that must be investigated thoroughly. The government must ensure that all security agencies involved in the protection of oil installations in the Niger Delta are transparent in their operations. Collaboration among stakeholders is also crucial in the fight against oil theft. With these measures in place, the Niger Delta can become a prosperous region for Nigeria.
