HURIWA Lauds Efforts against Crude Oil Theft, Calls for Accountability

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) yesterday praised the intensified efforts at tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta.

HURIWA emphasised that the collaboration between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), military, and police demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, a critical asset to the nation’s economy.

Speaking in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed solidarity with the NNPC and the Nigerian military in their ongoing campaign against crude oil theft.

He said this has severely impacted the nation’s oil industry for decades. HURIWA commended the coordinated approach of the NNPC and security agencies, stressing that such collaboration is essential in curbing the widespread theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

Onwubiko applauded the NNPC’s decision to partner with 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, the group noted, have long diverted Nigeria’s valuable natural resources, affecting the nation’s economic stability.

Onwubiko further emphasised that crude oil theft directly undermines Nigeria’s economic stability and called 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, Gen. Christopher Musa for its commitment to deploying both land and maritime forces to secure oil-producing regions in the Niger Delta.

 According to HURIWA, this multi-faceted approach, in collaboration with the NNPC, has yielded significant results. Recent operations, it said, have uncovered numerous illegal crude oil connections, destroyed illegal refineries, and resulted in the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft.

Citing NNPC reports, HURIWA noted that within one week, 33 illegal crude oil connections were discovered in various parts of the Niger Delta, while 72 illegal refineries were destroyed, and 42 suspects were arrested.

 These efforts, it said, are part of a broader strategy to restore Nigeria’s crude oil production to optimal levels and enhance the country’s economic prospects.

HURIWA expressed optimism that if the current momentum is maintained, Nigeria will witness a significant reduction in crude oil theft, alongside an increase in oil production.

The association emphasised that the fight against crude oil theft is a national task that requires the consistent support of all Nigerians.