Former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Idada Ikponmwen (retd.), along with former Deputy Inspector General of Police Udom Ekpoudom and other stakeholders from the Niger Delta, have called on the Federal Government to cease its pursuit of oil thieves using compromised security personnel.
These stakeholders highlighted that the infiltration of security forces by oil thieves undermines the fight against oil theft, asserting that criminals in military attire will not deter those in civilian clothing; rather, both factions may collude. They expressed concern that prominent criminal gangs are embedding their members within Nigeria’s security forces and urged the government to identify and take action against these infiltrators.
In a shocking revelation, Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, accused security officials of complicity in oil theft during a visit from the Nigerian Bar Association in Delta State. He reported instances where Navy officials fired upon Tantita operatives and other agencies while they were attempting to detain a vessel suspected of illegal activity.
Ikponmwen criticized the ongoing situation as a result of systemic failure, asserting that the Navy’s involvement in pursuing oil thieves distracts from its primary duty of protecting Nigeria’s territory. He emphasized the need for a dedicated marine force to combat oil theft, unlike the current ineffective arrangements.
Ex-DIG Ekpoudom raised alarms about security personnel leaking information to criminals, warning that such actions must be addressed to prevent further oil theft incidents. He emphasized the contradiction of having those who should be enforcing the law also engaging in criminal activities, especially if Tompolo’s claims hold true.
Former oil bunkerer Niyi Brador suggested the implementation of a transparent metering system in the oil sector to accurately monitor crude oil exports as a means to combat corruption.
Saviour Akpan of the COMPPART Foundation highlighted issues within the security recruitment process, suggesting that criminal organizations are infiltrating law enforcement and that many recruits lack true patriotism, often joining for personal gain rather than public service.
Amaebi Clarkson, a former spokesperson for MOSIEND, claimed that the real culprits behind oil theft in the Niger Delta are not local youths but rather larger criminal entities, implying that the government is aware of these parties and may be part of the corruption.
Activist Ebilade Ekerefe accused some elements within security agencies of collaborating with major oil thieves to undermine the efforts of Tompolo and Tantita Security, warning against the use of the local community in such underhanded schemes.
Finally, Zik Gbemre, a social justice advocate, asserted that the military’s direct involvement in oil theft is a significant issue that cannot be denied. He stated that oil theft in Nigeria is a deeply organized crime involving collusion among multiple stakeholders, underscoring the ongoing challenges in addressing this pervasive issue.
