The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has accused the Nigerian Army personnel in the state of deeply involving themselves in illegal oil theft activities. Fubara alleged that these soldiers are obstructing his administration’s efforts to combat oil theft in the region.

He made these claims during a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General, Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The governor asserted that the military personnel in the state, possibly compromised, have collaborated with certain oil companies to hinder ongoing road construction in Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area. They have done so by attacking contractors working on the project, ostensibly to cover up their involvement in illegal oil theft.

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Fubara emphasized that his administration is committed to combating oil bunkering but is facing challenges due to the alleged complicity of some Army officers in Ahoada East and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas. He called for cooperation to address the issue and deal with the officers who are undermining his efforts to combat oil theft.

He stated, “One special problem that we have here is the issue of illegal oil bunkering. In some parts of the State, in Ahoada East and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, most of the bunkering activities, we believe, are subsisting because there is this cooperation between the Army and top oil companies. I’m saying this because there is this road we are constructing somewhere in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, and each time the contractor approaches this particular company and pleads that they should allow them to go ahead with the job, the military will always come and attack our contractor.”

Governor Fubara explained the challenges he encountered in trying to address this issue, highlighting the officers’ vested interests in the illegal business. He urged the Chief of Army Staff to take action and bring discipline to his men.

He concluded, “Carrying out some assignments with any company does not give any person powers to decide how things should be done for the State. Look into the matter.”

In response, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, stated that his visit to Port Harcourt was part of his routine inspections of units under his command. He expressed appreciation for Governor Fubara’s continuous support, intervention, and cooperation with the army, which has contributed to peace and stability in the state.