The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Theft, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), has intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft by partnering with the Nigerian military and launching a special surveillance team in the Niger Delta region.
During a strategic meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, the committee emphasized the need for stronger intelligence-sharing, improved surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the criminal networks behind crude oil theft.
Key Resolutions from the Meeting:
✅ Strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms to track oil theft syndicates.
✅ Enhancing security surveillance operations around oil facilities.
✅ Fostering collaboration between security agencies, local stakeholders, and multinational oil companies.
✅ Deploying cutting-edge security technologies to monitor pipelines and offshore facilities.
Oil Theft: A Threat to Nigeria’s Economy
In a statement issued by Gloria Okolugbo, Director of Communications for Senator Nwoko, the committee described oil theft as a major economic sabotage, draining billions of naira from Nigeria’s revenue and eroding investor confidence in the oil sector.
"The committee remains unwavering in its resolve to implement watertight policies, deploy security technology, and hold those who undermine Nigeria’s national wealth accountable," the statement read.
The committee also stressed that its anti-oil theft agenda aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic stability and resource security.
Formation of the Senate Surveillance Team on Crude Oil Theft
As part of its multi-pronged strategy, the Senate Committee has inaugurated a specialized surveillance team in Niger Delta communities to oversee oil facilities, combat vandalism, and track illegal oil activities.
Key Features of the Surveillance Initiative:
🔹 Local Onshore and Offshore Oversight – Community-based monitoring of oil production sites.
🔹 Covert Intelligence Operations – Deploying secret intelligence to track oil thieves.
🔹 Collaboration with Security Agencies – Working with the military, DSS, and the police.
🔹 International Liaison – Engaging foreign bodies and multinational oil firms to combat illegal trade networks.
Following a rigorous screening process, consultants and state representatives from oil-producing states were selected to join the committee’s Senate Surveillance Team on Crude Oil Theft. These individuals will work alongside government-approved security consultants already in the field to ensure real-time monitoring and oversight.
Legal and Policy Measures to Stop Oil Theft
Committee Chairman Ned Nwoko also announced that the Senate will explore legal frameworks to:
✔ Incorporate artisanal oil miners into the mainstream economy, reducing illegal operations.
✔ Crack down on high-level saboteurs and international smuggling networks that facilitate stolen crude sales.
✔ Strengthen policies that enforce accountability in the oil sector.
Full Commitment from Senators and Military Chiefs
The committee, which includes key senators from oil-producing states, has pledged to intensify its oversight functions, ensuring that oil theft is curtailed and Nigeria’s energy sector is protected.
With General Christopher Musa and top military officials backing the initiative, there is renewed hope for restoring transparency in Nigeria’s oil industry and stopping revenue leakages caused by crude oil theft.
This bold initiative marks a major step in securing Nigeria’s economic backbone, reinforcing the country’s commitment to accountability and sustainable development.
