FG sets up task force to tackle oil theft

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday set up a combined military task force to go after oil companies, smugglers, oil thieves and private jetty operators whose actions threatened national security.


It ordered the task force to investigate the operations of all oil and gas companies, arrest all those involved in security breaches, and close down all unlicensed private jetties.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, stated this while inaugurating the Inter-Agency Maritime Security Task Force on Acts of Illegalities in Nigerian Waters on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja.

The task force, which comprised members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, State Security Service, Customs and others, was also mandated to deal ruthlessly with smugglers and gun- runners within the nation’s territorial waters.

Dike explained that the setting up of the task force was to stop illegalities within the nation’s territorial waters, which directly or indirectly impacted negatively on the economic interest of the country.


He said kidnappers, smugglers, illegal private jetty operators had taken advantage of the nation’s porous water-ways to wreak havoc on the economy, a situation the government was no longer ready to accept.

“We are all aware of the challenges we face in our maritime security. Recent developments in our water-ways like illegal bunkering, kidnappings, hostage takings have become serious cause for concern to the government.

“These activities pose serious threats to national security. These acts of illegality, which include economic sabotage and armed smuggling, if not completely addressed could undermine our national security interest.

“It is, therefore, pertinent that proactive actions be taken to contain these acts of security challenges. It is in this regard that the Task Force to address these illegality and security breaches in our territorial waters is hereby constituted.”

Members of the task force include Commodore Dele Ezeoba, chairman; Captain A.M. Sunmola, secretary; Captain Henry Babalola; Col. A. Nani; Group Captain B. Oyobolo; CSP Augustine Fortunatus, Police; and Mr. Segun Agbaje, State Security Service.