‘Big Players’ In Oil Theft Live Outside Niger Delta — Sen. Dickson

Former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa West), has revealed that the masterminds behind oil theft in the Niger Delta are influential individuals residing outside the region….CONTINUE READING

Speaking at Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta’s Warri South-West Local Government Area, Dickson made this assertion during a visit with the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketepe, Agadagba.

Dickson emphasized that while Ijaw youths are often blamed for oil theft, they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to operate pipelines. “The real perpetrators of crude oil theft are not from the Niger Delta; they are based in Lagos, Abuja, and other parts of the world,” he said.

He pointed out that Ijaw people live in the creeks, relying on the waterways and farmlands for their livelihood, and are not involved in the sophisticated operations that lead to the daily loss of Nigerian crude oil.

“The individuals who have the means to compromise national security, hire tankers, and shuttle vessels are not Ijaws. We do not possess the capacity or experience to engage in such high-level operations,” Dickson stated.

The senator stressed that these operations require significant resources, coordination, funding, and international networking, which are beyond the reach of the Ijaw people.

He called on Nigeria to take more robust action on the international stage to address the issue of stolen crude oil. “Those who under-declare production daily and have failed to properly monitor and record output for over 50 or 60 years should be held accountable. It is not the Ijaw youth—innocent people without the capacity or technical know-how,” he said.

Dickson praised the traditional ruler for maintaining peace in his kingdom and the entire Niger Delta region. He also visited Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, the founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

He commended Ekpemupolo for his efforts through TSSNL in boosting the nation’s oil revenue and ensuring the regeneration of the region’s ecosystem.