The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has said that most people arrested for crude oil theft are only small-time operators who have little understanding of the larger networks behind the crime.
He explained that while security agencies often apprehend suspects at illegal refinery sites, the real organisers and financiers of the operations usually remain hidden and difficult to track.
According to him, those caught are typically low-level participants who receive minimal payment compared to the main actors benefiting from the illegal trade.
“The most visible suspects are rarely the real organisers of these thefts. Those we arrest at illegal refinery sites are often paid small amounts, while the major players are the ones making the real profit,” he said.
Abbas noted that this structure makes prosecution difficult, as many of the arrested suspects cannot provide useful information about those who coordinate 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.
He said the Navy and other security agencies are constantly adjusting their tactics in response to the evolving methods used by oil theft syndicates.
Abbas also highlighted the role of technology in improving surveillance and reducing oil theft activities, especially in coastal and riverine communities.
He added that while challenges still exist, there has been progress in curbing illegal bunkering and improving security in affected areas.
The Naval Chief further advocated for the creation of a special court to handle maritime-related crimes, saying it would speed up prosecution and reduce operational burdens on security agencies.
He explained that such a court would also help address the difficulties involved in managing seized vessels for long periods.
Abbas reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to intensifying efforts against oil theft and stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies and host communities in achieving lasting results.
