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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives Special Committee probing oil theft and losses has called for a comprehensive review of the the security architecture.
The chairman of the Committee, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, stated this during a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in Abuja.
Doguwa, who spoke against the backdrop of the recent apprehension of a vessel laden with over 200,000 liters of illicitly acquired crude oil, noted that the incident has brought to fire the depth and complexity of such criminal activity .
The lawmaker, while lauding decisive steps by the CDS to initiate an in-depth investigation into the incidence, said his proactive response is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering commitment to confronting and eradicating the menace.
“Our Committee, instituted by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D., on the 22nd of November, is entrusted with the thorough investigation of the intricate web of oil theft and losses within our nation’s oil and gas sector.
“This task extends to scrutinising the involvement of various elements, ranging from illicit entities and local communities to corporate employees and security forces.
“Our immediate plan includes an investigative visit to the site of this incident in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and the Delta state location where the vessel is secured.
“In this regard, we earnestly seek the support and cooperation of the Chief of Defence Staff to facilitate this critical mission.We laud the prompt and decisive action taken by the Chief of Defence Staff on the 17th of January 2024, directing the Chief of Defence Intelligence to initiate an in-depth investigation into this case.
“This proactive response is a testament to President Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to confronting and eradicating this plague from our nation,” he stated.
The lawmaker added that the security risks and implications of such an incident cannot be overstated. This scenario points to the urgent need for a comprehensive review and overhaul of our surveillance and security measures. It also underscores the importance of unraveling the intricate networks involved in these illicit activities, which seem to include international collaborations.
“As we embark on this vital mission, guided by sections 62, 88, and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution, we call upon the Chief of Defence Staff, all security and law enforcement agencies, stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, and every patriotic Nigerian to join hands with us. Your support and collaboration are indispensable in our quest to bring an end to this menace.”
