Delta monarch urges probe of security agencies aiding oil theft

The monarch of Idjerhe Kingdom, Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhie I, has urged the Federal Government to probe security agencies aiding and abetting oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

The traditional ruler who spoke on the state of the Niger Delta region also advised President Bola Tinubu to expand the operations of Tompolo’s pipeline surveillance firm, Tantita Security Services Limited, for helping to boost oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day and restoring the region’s environment from oil pollution.

He said: “The Federal Government must look inwards and fish out those working directly or indirectly against Tantita. Recently, a valid allegation was made against a security agency.”

Meanwhile, The Nigerian Army has said that troops have sustained the crackdown on economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region, recovering over 80,000 litres of stolen products in the process.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relation, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, said troops of the Division, while working closely with other security agencies, conducted clearance operations in the region from November 18 to 24, 2024.

The operations, which were carried out in several locations, including Buguma Creeks, Iyalama/Bakana, Ogaji-Ama, and Asaramatoro Creek, yielded significant results.

In Buguma Creeks, Danjuma noted that over eight illegal refining sites were deactivated, with dugout pits containing over 25,000 litres of stolen products handled.

Additionally, Danjuma said troops discovered a wellhead used as a loading point by the criminals in Iyalama/Bakana, and confiscated several cooking pots, receivers, and four wooden boats with over 8,000 litres of stolen products.

He added that a wooden boat stocked with over 6,000 litres of condensate was also intercepted in the same area. Similarly, operations were conducted in other locations, including Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states, with significant recoveries made.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/delta-monarch-urges-probe-of-security-agencies-aiding-oil-theft/

Date: 25Nov24