IPDI Accuses Nigerian Navy of Colluding with Ship Owners in Oil Theft

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has accused the Nigerian Navy of complicity in crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, alleging that Navy officials have colluded with ship owners to steal oil. The criticism follows claims by Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) that the Navy is sabotaging his efforts to combat oil theft. IPDI coordinator Austin Ozobo criticized the Navy for allowing oil theft to flourish during their surveillance period, and for undermining Tompolo’s efforts to disrupt their operations. Ozobo also accused the Navy of blackmailing Tompolo in a bid to regain control of the oil surveillance job.