Oil Theft: Continues Attack on Criminal Networks – HURIWA to NNPCL, Military

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has noted that oil theft syndicates and criminal networks have long diverted Nigeria’s valuable natural resources, affecting the country’s economic stability.

The group said this while commending the intensified efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, especially in the Niger Delta.

HURIWA stressed that the partnership between the NNPCL, the military and the police demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, a crucial asset to the country’s economy.

At a press conference in Abuja, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, commended the coordinated approach of the security agencies, stressing that such collaboration with the NNPCL is essential to counter the widespread theft of Nigerian crude oil.

Onwubiko said it was important for the NNPCL to work with various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DSS), in tackling and dismantling high-profile oil theft syndicates.

“These criminal networks have long diverted Nigeria’s valuable natural resources, affecting the country’s economic stability,” the rights group noted.

“Mele Kyari’s leadership at the NNPCL has resulted in renewed efforts to combat oil theft, prioritizing the protection of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.

“Kyari has recognized the critical role of security personnel in protecting vital oil infrastructure,” the association added, urging sustained cooperation between the NNPCL and the military to protect the country’s oil resources.

“Crude oil theft directly undermines the economic stability of Nigeria,” HURIWA said, calling on Nigerians, especially civil society organizations, to support the fight against oil thieves.

The association also called for the prosecution of arrested suspects, insisting that they be treated as economic saboteurs and given harsh sentences to deter further criminal activities.

The association commended the Nigerian Army led by Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, for its commitment to deploy both land and naval forces to secure oil producing regions in the Niger Delta.

“This multifaceted approach, in collaboration with the NNPCL, has yielded significant results. Recent operations have uncovered numerous illicit crude oil connections, destroyed illegal refineries and resulted in the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft.”