Editor
Renowned international security expert, Dr. Jackson Lekan Ojo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the senior leadership of the Nigerian military over alleged involvement in oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Dr. Ojo expressed concern over the Federal Government’s lack of action regarding accusations made by prominent Niger Delta figures, Asari Dokubo and General Tompolo. Both have alleged that some military officers, particularly in the Navy, are complicit in the ongoing theft of crude oil.
“Tompolo has openly accused Navy personnel of sabotaging his efforts to combat oil theft. He even claimed that they are plotting to eliminate him because he poses a threat to their illegal activities,” Dr. Ojo stated.
He continued, “Tompolo mentioned instances where he apprehended suspects, only for Navy personnel to intervene by firing on his team. Similarly, Alhaji Asari Dokubo has alleged that military officers are the primary culprits in oil theft, betraying their mandate to safeguard our national resources.”
Dr. Ojo criticized the silence of military authorities, noting, “I expected a strong public rebuttal to these serious allegations. It is disheartening that no action has been taken, despite the presence of a National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defense, and the Director General of the Department of State Services.”
He further attributed Nigeria’s numerous challenges to poor resource management, saying, “The root of our problems lies in the people entrusted with managing the nation’s resources. For instance, this is the sixth time the management of NNPCL has announced new timelines for refinery operations without any accountability. It seems Mele Kyari is more focused on pleasing the President than serving Nigerians. He should have been dismissed when President Tinubu assumed office.”
Dr. Ojo also advocated for the privatization of oil pipeline security, suggesting that private firms could better protect Nigeria’s oil wealth.
He emphasized, “It is a serious indictment for private security operators to accuse the military of sabotaging the oil industry. This demands urgent attention from the government.”
He concluded by urging President Tinubu to take decisive action to address these allegations and protect Nigeria’s vital oil resources.
