HURIWA Seeks Swift Judicial Action Against Oil Thieves
9 months ago 2 min read
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…Hails NNPCL’s Fight Against Crude Oil Theft
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for 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.
Speaking while briefing the press on Thursday in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, also called for strict penalties for convicted oil thieves, including long prison sentences and substantial fines.
Onwubiko, who warned that leniency towards these criminals would embolden others to continue their illicit activities, added that severe penalties will send a strong message that the judiciary supports the government’s anti-theft measures.
He praised 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.
He emphasised 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.
Onwubiko noted that the solidarity with the NNPCL and the Nigerian military in their ongoing campaign against crude oil theft is essential in curbing the widespread theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.
“We 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.
“The leadership of Mele Kyari at the NNPCL has resulted in renewed efforts to combat oil theft, prioritizing the protection of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources,” he said.
He added that Kyari has acknowledged the critical role of security personnel in protecting vital oil infrastructure and urged for sustained cooperation between the NNPCL and the military to protect the nation’s oil assets.
He also 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.
Onwubiko further emphasised 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.
He also reiterated HURIWA’s commitment to supporting the ongoing efforts in the combat against oil theft and called on other organizations 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,” he said.
