International Syndicates: Bayo Ojulari Mentions Those Involved in Crude Oil Theft
- The Federal Government has disclosed that crude oil theft in Nigeria involves certain individuals and sophisticated international syndicates
- NNPC GCEO Bayo Ojulari credited collaboration with security and intelligence agencies for reducing resource theft and pipeline attacks
- Ojulari urged African nations to unite in protecting their energy resources, stressing that the continent must 'take its destiny into its hands'
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The Federal Government has stated that certain individuals and international syndicates are involved in crude oil theft in Nigeria.
Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), made the disclosure on Monday, August 25, while addressing participants at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit.
Source: Twitter
Ojulari emphasised that security remains a critical pillar in the energy sector, describing it as 'a very important and strategic role in achieving national, regional, continental, energy and security goals'.
NNPC says collaboration improving oil sector security
According to the NNPC boss, recent improvements in the country’s operating environment are largely due to stronger cooperation with federal government security and intelligence agencies, according to The Cable.
“We have seen the benefits of the collaboration within the security space with significant improvements in our operating environment," Ojulari said.
“The dilapidating impact of crude theft, low pipeline availability, and attacks are issues that are becoming stories of the past for us. And this has come from the immense and intentional efforts of our government security and intelligence agencies across the nation and in particular within the Niger Delta."
'Crude oil theft not just local problem'
During his speech, Ojulari also stressed that crude oil theft is not confined to Nigeria alone but has international dimensions.
“Crude theft and its attendant illegal activities are by no means a purely localised occurrence," he remarked.
“These operations involve sophisticated international syndicates that take advantage of gaps within the state’s national, regional, and continental security architecture to conduct their illicit activities."
Source: Twitter
Africa must take control of its destiny
Ojulari also called for stronger continental collaboration in tackling oil theft and securing energy resources, urging African nations to work together in shaping their future, as reported by Vanguard.
“It is therefore imperative that forums such as these are encouraged with a view to strengthening strategic, tactical, and operational activities within the continent.
“Africa must take its destiny into its hands and chart a collective way forward that meets the goals and aspirations of our people," he said.
Expert calls for stronger regional oil theft cooperation
A border and security expert, Adeyemi Isaac Adekitan, has stressed the need for Nigeria to work closely with neighboring countries and international bodies in tackling crude oil theft.
“I agree that addressing crude oil theft requires regional and international cooperation, as many countries dependent on Nigerian oil share porous borders that facilitate this crime,” he told Legit.ng.
“Strengthening collaboration through intelligence sharing and joint operations can significantly disrupt these syndicates.”
He added:
“Additionally, leveraging organizations like Interpol to pursue justice will enhance accountability and deter future theft.”
According to him, this “multifaceted approach is crucial for safeguarding Nigeria’s energy resources and ensuring security.”
NNPC boss Ojulari exposes alleged sabotage attempts
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited's new leadership, under the leadership of Bayo Ojulari, had expressed concern that efforts to rid the company of corruption were seemingly being thwarted by certain saboteurs both inside and outside the organisation.
On April 2, President Bola Tinubu dismissed Mele Kyari, the GCEO of NNPC. The new leadership, in a statement, said it had uncovered a coordinated sabotage campaign being carried out by a syndicate of known and anonymous individuals operating at various levels inside and outside the organisation.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a border and security expert for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
