The Nigerian military explains the challenges faced in curbing oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has provided insights into the persistent challenge of eradicating oil bunkering and theft in the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian military.

Musa explained that local communities in the region play a role in safeguarding individuals involved in oil bunkering activities and actively contribute to the reconstruction of illegal oil refineries each time military efforts dismantle them.

Addressing the issue during an interview on Channels TV, Mr. Musa highlighted the ongoing struggle with communities in the Niger Delta, emphasizing how some communities actively shield those engaged in crude oil theft. Despite consistent efforts to demolish illegal oil refineries, the communities promptly restore them.

Expressing concern, Musa noted that individuals involved in crude oil theft have developed the capability to swiftly rebuild illegal oil refineries after military intervention, complicating the task of permanently curbing these activities.

“We have seen situations where, eight, seven, six kilometers away from pipelines, broken, drawn perfectly and connected to individual houses, and they are moving these things (crude oil) out,” he remarked.

Musa acknowledged the limitations faced by the military, stating that they cannot be omnipresent. He urged Nigerians to report such incidents to facilitate more effective intervention, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by oil bunkering and theft in the region.