In a key breakthrough aimed at resolving the issue of oil theft and illegal bunkering, powerful ex-militant leaders from the Niger Delta have joined forces as part of President Bola Tinubu’s economic recovery program.
This coalition, which brings together critical stakeholders, was formed during a vital summit at King Ateke Tom’s Okochiri Palace in Okirika Local Government Area, Rivers State.
King Ateke Tom, High Chief Ajube Bibopiri (General Shoot-at-Sight), Victor Ben Ebukabowei (General Boyloaf), and notable freedom fighter Alhaji Asari Dokubo were among the ex-militant leaders present at the conference. Notably, the meeting signaled a new beginning for these leaders, who had previously clashed over political and personal differences.
The meeting’s major goal was to fight oil theft and examine the most effective ways to handle pipeline contracts involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The ex-militant leaders advocated for decentralizing pipeline surveillance contracts and allocating them to their individual territories or states of influence.
The Niger Delta’s united front against oil theft and economic sabotage has the potential to have a big influence on the region and the Nigerian economy.
Their stance is consistent with that of Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has similarly emphasized the importance of not awarding all pipeline surveillance contracts to a single individual.
While the terms of Tantita Security Service Limited’s renewed pipeline surveillance contract with former insurgent leader Government Ekpumpolo (Tompolo) were not published, it was suspected that offshore surveillance tasks had been added to the deal.
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