IPMAN Coordinator Indicts Military, Other Security Agencies of Oil Theft in the Niger Delta
The National Coordinator of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Musa Saidu, has alleged that illegal oil bunkering is thriving in the Niger Delta region because security agencies are involved.
Appearing on Arise TV, monitored by Environment Watch Tuesday Saidu said that although the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was making efforts to heal the cancer of oil theft unwholesome activities of security agencies leaves much to be desired.
He alleged that the security agencies often turn the clock backwards by colluding to release vessels arrested instead of turning them over for prosecution.
He further alleged that “when illegal vessels are arrested, security agencies release them,” despite his association’s reports submitted to the government, and that “the security agencies refuse to act”.
Mr Saidu narrated how an army major released an arrested vessel loading oil in a creek after taking orders from his superior.
“The idea involved is – when we identify where this is going on….. Let me give you an example. We identified a vessel loading in one of the Creeks rivers. We followed that vessel. We went down and arrested the vessel. You know, they alerted, you know, the GOC at that time. ‘Look, we have arrested a vessel.’ A major was assigned to look at the vessel, but later, the vessel was released.
Mr Saidu lamented that government and NNPCL are helpless in stopping oil theft because the security agencies and the “big man” syndrome keep frustrating those efforts.
The Nigerian Army, Airforce and the National Defence Corps, all involved in securing oil installations in the Niger Delta, have denied the allegations by the IPMAN chief.