In a recent development, Asari Dokubo, the leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During the meeting, Dokubo emphasized that the prevalent crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region is orchestrated by influential groups within the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy.

In his discussion with reporters following the meeting, Dokubo conveyed that the people of the Niger Delta have made a firm commitment to eradicate crude oil theft entirely from the region. He argued that the blame often placed on ordinary Niger Delta citizens is misplaced, as they lack the means and resources to engage in such illegal activities.

According to Dokubo, there exist well-known individuals within the Army and Navy, commonly referred to as “notorious” oil kingpins, who have been involved in extensive crude oil theft over the past eight years. He assured that with the support of President Tinubu, these military figures will face significant opposition and be removed from the system.

Dokubo further emphasized that the actions of the oil thieves have severely impacted the livelihoods of the Niger Delta population, describing it as a crime against humanity. Moreover, he accused the military of engaging in blackmail by claiming insufficient weaponry to address the security challenges, asserting that they have instead relinquished their arms to the insurgents, thereby fueling the insurgency.