Nigerian Navy Challenges Asari Dokubo to Name Oil Thieves
The Nigerian Navy has challenged former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, to name military officers involved in oil bunkering. This follows Dokubo’s allegations against the military top brass when he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after saying that military officials were involved in oil theft in the Niger Delta region. The military spokesman described Dokubo’s statements on the subject as “spurious and unguarded.”
Oil Thieves Getting Desperate
The Navy spokesman pointed out that the military is responsible for less than one percent of the oil theft in Nigeria. However, he admitted that oil thieves are angry because the troops’ ongoing “Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO” are denying them the opportunity to sabotage the country’s economy. The military has been running Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO in the Niger Delta since April last year to check oil theft and illegal artisanal refineries in the area.
Navy and NNPC Collaboration
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been holding regular meetings with the Chief of Naval Staff to discuss the ongoing operation. The pipeline surveillance firm, which has been contracted by the NNPC, is working in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and Operation Delta Safe in Niger Delta to check oil theft.
Navy Refutes Allegations
The Nigerian Navy spokesman challenged Dokubo to substantiate his claims by producing officers’ names involved in oil theft. He noted that the Navy does not tolerate criminal activities of any form, let alone oil bunkering that harms the region’s economy. The Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO denied oil thieves over N76 billion worth of crude oil, and the Navy hopes to put a stop to such activities in the Niger Delta.
In Conclusion
The Navy spokesman urged Dokubo to stop making false statements and to work with relevant authorities to curb oil theft in the region. The Niger Delta region contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil revenue, and oil theft has caused revenue losses and environmental damage. Naming oil thieves and corruption in the oil industry can help prevent future occurrences and reduce the effects of oil theft.
