HURIWA praises NNPCL’s efforts on crude oil theft

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has extolled the intensified efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta.

HURIWA stressed that the collaboration between the NNPCL, military, and police demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, a critical asset to the nation’s economy.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed solidarity with the NNPCL and the Nigerian military in their ongoing campaign against crude oil theft, which has severely impacted the nation’s oil industry for decades.

The group commended the coordinated approach of the NNPCL and security agencies, stressing that such collaboration is essential in curbing the widespread theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

Onwubiko applauded the NNPCL’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.

He said: “The leadership of Mele Kyari at the NNPCL has resulted in renewed efforts to combat oil theft, prioritising the protection of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources. Kyari has acknowledged the critical role of security personnel in protecting vital oil infrastructure. We urged sustained cooperation between the NNPCL and the military to protect the nation’s oil assets.”

Onwubiko further said that crude oil theft directly undermines Nigeria’s economic stability and called on Nigerians, particularly civil society organisations, 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.

It commended the Nigerian military under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General 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 NNPCL, has yielded significant results. Recent operations have uncovered numerous illegal crude oil connections, destroyed illegal refineries, and resulted in the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft.

Citing NNPCL 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 are part of a broader strategy to restore Nigeria’s crude oil production to optimal levels and enhance the country’s economic prospects.

The group 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 also said that the fight against crude oil theft is a national task that requires the consistent support of all Nigerians. It therefore urged civil rights advocacy organisations to back the NNPCL and the Nigerian military, highlighting the importance of civil society in ensuring transparency and accountability in the anti-oil theft campaign.

HURIWA also reiterated its own commitment to supporting the ongoing efforts and called on other organisations to lend their voices to this critical cause.

“The theft of crude oil is not just a crime against the Nigerian government but against every Nigerian. These criminals are stealing the wealth of the nation, undermining the economy, and threatening the livelihoods of millions of citizens. We must unite in this fight,” it added.

HURIWA also urged swift judicial action against those apprehended for oil theft, describing them as economic saboteurs whose activities have had damaging effects on Nigeria’s economy and international standing. The association called for severe penalties for convicted oil thieves, including long prison sentences and substantial fines, to send a strong message that the judiciary supports the government’s anti-theft measures.

It warned that leniency towards these criminals would embolden others to continue their illicit activities, perpetuating economic sabotage. HURIWA called on the federal government to introduce stricter laws prescribing tougher penalties for individuals and organisations involved in crude oil theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure.