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 nation’s economic stability.
The group said this while praising the intensified efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta.
HURIWA emphasized that the collaboration between the NNPCL, the military and the Police demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, a critical asset to the nation’s economy.
At a press conference in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, commended the coordinated approach adopted by security agencies, stressing that such collaboration with the NNPCL is essential in curbing the widespread theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.
Onwubiko said it was important that the NNPCL was partnering various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS), in targeting and dismantling high-profile oil theft syndicates.
“These criminal networks, have long diverted Nigeria’s valuable natural resources, affecting the nation’s economic stability,” the rights group noted..
“The leadership of Mele Kyari at the NNPCL has resulted in renewed efforts to combat oil theft, prioritizing the protection of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.
“Kyari has acknowledged 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 nation’s oil assets.
“Crude oil theft directly undermines Nigeria’s economic stability,” HURIWA said while calling on Nigerians, particularly 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 stiff sentences to deter further criminal activity.
The association commended the Nigerian military under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa for its commitment to deploying both land and maritime forces to secure oil-producing regions in the Niger Delta.
“This multi-faceted approach, in collaboration with the NNPCL, has yielded significant results. Recent operations have uncovered numerous illegal crude oil connections, destroyed illegal refineries, and resulted in the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft.”
Oil theft: Continue onslaught against criminal networks – HURIWA to NNPCL, military
