The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has raised concerns about a concerted effort by unidentified oil thieves to tarnish the reputation of key figures involved in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. These individuals include Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services; Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC); and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The IYN alleges that this smear campaign is being financed by a powerful and malicious cabal of oil thieves who are feeling the pressure of the ongoing crackdown on their illicit activities. This accusation comes in response to a protest staged outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, where demonstrators leveled criminal allegations against the aforementioned individuals.
The IYN believes that the protest and the broader campaign of calumny are orchestrated by those whose vast fortunes, built on years of oil theft, are now threatened. These individuals, accustomed to operating with impunity, are retaliating against the significant progress being made in curbing oil theft. The IYN argues that this desperate act is a direct attack not only on the reputations of Tompolo, Kyari, and Otuaro, but also on the image of Nigeria, its President, national security, and economic stability. They call upon the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The IYN highlights the audacity of the oil thieves in attempting to discredit those working to restore order and protect Nigeria’s resources. They emphasize the importance of recognizing this smear campaign as a desperate attempt to undermine the progress made in the fight against oil theft. The IYN points to the significant increase in oil production, reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, as evidence of the effectiveness of the current efforts, led in part by Tantita Security Services. This achievement, they argue, directly contradicts the narrative being peddled by the oil thieves and their collaborators.
The IYN’s statement underscores the complex and high-stakes nature of the battle against oil theft in the Niger Delta. It reveals the lengths to which those profiting from this illegal activity will go to protect their interests, even resorting to international smear campaigns. The organization’s call for a thorough investigation highlights the need for accountability and transparency in addressing this critical issue. The incident also exposes the potential for external forces to exploit the situation, further destabilizing the region and undermining national security.
The allegations leveled by the IYN paint a picture of a powerful and entrenched network of oil thieves who are feeling the pressure of the ongoing crackdown. Their willingness to orchestrate a protest on the international stage demonstrates their desperation and the extent of their resources. This incident underscores the challenges faced by the Nigerian government in its efforts to curb oil theft and bring those responsible to justice. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating this transnational crime.
The confrontation between the Nigerian government, represented by figures like Tompolo, Kyari, and Otuaro, and the entrenched network of oil thieves is a critical battle for the future of the Niger Delta and Nigeria’s economy. The IYN’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities involved in combating this deeply rooted problem. The outcome of this struggle will have far-reaching consequences for the region’s stability, economic prosperity, and the overall security of Nigeria. The call for a thorough investigation and subsequent action is crucial to ensuring that those responsible for undermining national interests are held accountable.
