Nigerian Army Denies Involvement In Oil Theft

Defense Headquarters has refuted allegations that some members of the armed forces and security services are complicit in oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta area.

Jimmy Akpor, director of defence information, responded to inquiries from journalists about military operations by stating that the claims were untrue. Akpor asserted that the major players in the oil and gas sector are aware of how it operates and that it is unfair to involve the military in criminal activities.

He said the armed forces and other security agencies have continued to do their best to safeguard the nation’s economic assets in the region.

In August, Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, alleged that churches, mosques, and security agencies as well as host communities were involved in crude oil theft.

Providing updates at the briefing on Thursday, Musa Danmadami, director of defence media operations, said oil thieves have been denied N1.2 billion by the military within two weeks of its clearance operations.

He said the navy seized N664.8 million worth of crude oil, N546.7 million worth of diesel; N12.2 million worth of Kerosene; and N11.8 million worth of petroleum products.

He said troops of Operation Delta Safe in collaboration with the Department of State Service (DSS) have continued to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

“Also, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 67 illegal refining sites, 11 wooden boats, 218 storage tanks, 168 cooking ovens, and 61 dugout pits within the period under review,” he said.

Troops also recovered 2.07 million litres of crude oil, 706,000 litres of automotive gas oil, 15,500 litres of dual purpose kerosene and 67,000 litres of premium motor spirit.

Eight trucks, three pumping machines, three outboard engines and three generators were also recovered, while five pipeline vandals were also arrested. All recovered items were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.”he said