In a fiery condemnation of oil theft and security lapses in Nigeria, top Niger Delta stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to overhaul its approach, warning that deploying compromised security officials to combat oil thieves is a recipe for disaster.
Leading the charge, Brigadier General Idada Ikponmwen (retd.), Deputy Inspector General of Police Udom Ekpoudom (retd.), and other regional leaders have sounded the alarm over the infiltration of criminal elements within security agencies. They argue that corrupt operatives in military uniforms are not deterring oil thieves but rather colluding with them, exacerbating the crisis.
“Criminals in Uniforms Cannot Chase Oil Thieves”
Speaking on the issue, Ikponmwen criticized the involvement of the Nigerian Navy in anti-oil theft operations, describing it as a diversion from its core mandate. He emphasized that systemic failure, rather than a lack of enforcement, fuels the illicit trade.
> “Those entrusted with law enforcement are often the very ones breaking it. The military’s role is to protect the country from external aggression, not police the seas. We need a specialized, well-equipped force like the U.S. Marines to tackle this issue,” he stated.
Renowned ex-militant leader and security contractor, Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, reinforced the claims, accusing security agencies of sabotaging anti-oil theft efforts. Speaking in Oporoza, Delta State, while receiving the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership, Tompolo recounted incidents where Navy officers allegedly fired on Tantita Security operatives, the DSS, and NSCDC while they intercepted an oil-smuggling vessel in Rivers State and Ovwian, Delta State.
> “We are stepping on the toes of the big boys in Lagos and Abuja, and it’s clear some security operatives are working with oil cartels. Each time we arrest criminals, powerful lawyers from Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan step in to secure their release. If we don’t take drastic measures, this country will soon lack funds for meaningful development,” Tompolo warned.
He further lamented that his security had been compromised, stating:
> “I cannot even travel freely because some of these security officers are now aligned with oil thieves. When I move, I need heavy protection because those profiting from this crime want to silence us.”
Ex-DIG Ekpoudom: Security Leaks Are Undermining Anti-Theft Efforts
In a separate statement, Ex-DIG Udom Ekpoudom, speaking from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, expressed concern over intelligence leaks from within security agencies, which he said enable criminals to stay ahead of enforcement efforts.
> “How can we win this fight when some of those assigned to stop oil theft are the ones leaking vital information to the thieves? If Tompolo’s allegations are true, then we have a dire situation where the lines between law enforcement and crime have been completely blurred,” he said.
He called for an aggressive purge of compromised security officials, stating:
> “You cannot be fighting crime and be a criminal at the same time. The government must take decisive action against saboteurs within our security forces.”
With oil theft bleeding the nation of billions in revenue, stakeholders are demanding an urgent restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture. Calls for a specialized marine security force, independent from the military, are gaining momentum. The government is now under mounting pressure to root out saboteurs and take decisive action to reclaim the nation’s oil wealth from criminal syndicates operating with impunity.
Will the Federal Government heed these calls, or will Nigeria’s crude wealth continue to flow into the wrong hands?
PIONEER NEWS 