The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has disclosed that the masterminds behind Nigeria’s persistent crude oil theft operations largely remain beyond the reach of security agencies, while those arrested are often low-level operatives with little knowledge of the criminal networks they serve.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Abbas said oil theft syndicates operate through highly structured and secretive networks, making intelligence gathering and prosecution particularly challenging.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money,” he said.
According to the Naval Chief, investigations are frequently complicated because suspects apprehended at illegal refining sites often possess little information about those directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one,” he added. The comments highlight the complexity of combating crude oil theft, which continues to deprive Nigeria of significant revenue while sustaining criminal activities in oil-producing regions.
Despite the challenges, Abbas said the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are adapting their operational methods to counter the constantly evolving tactics employed by oil thieves.
“As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft,” he stated.
He explained that the deployment of technology-driven surveillance systems, improved intelligence gathering, and coordinated monitoring operations has strengthened enforcement efforts across the Niger Delta and other oil-producing areas.
The Naval Chief noted that these measures have contributed to a reduction in crude oil theft incidents and enhanced security within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Abbas expressed confidence in the current security situation across the country’s coastal and riverine communities. “As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe,” he stated.
He added that while isolated cases still occur, the Navy has recorded considerable success in reducing illegal oil bunkering activities and tackling sea robbery.
“What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail,” he said.
The Naval Chief also advocated judicial reforms to improve the prosecution of maritime crimes. He proposed the establishment of a dedicated court to handle cases involving maritime offenders.
“What we are pushing for is that we should have a special court that will try these maritime criminals,” the naval chief said.
According to Abbas, a specialised court would accelerate the administration of justice and reduce the financial burden of maintaining seized vessels under Navy custody for prolonged periods.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to combating crude oil theft, stressing that sustained success will require collaboration among security agencies, host communities, industry stakeholders, and the judiciary.
