Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called for stricter penalties against oil thieves to combat economic sabotage in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Speaking during a meeting with the Senate Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, led by Ned Nwoko, in Port Harcourt, Ibas said weak punishments encourage continued theft and deprive the country of vital revenue.
He praised the committee’s work and noted Rivers State’s progress in reducing pipeline vandalism through better intelligence, inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement.
He highlighted plans to deploy digital surveillance systems and strengthen Port Harcourt’s Safe-City security network.
Ibas called for strict prosecution of offenders, improved metering systems, and enhanced security funding, especially for naval operations in backwaters and international waters where large-scale theft occurs.
Nwoko assured the committee’s commitment to dismantling oil theft networks and delivering actionable recommendations to the National Assembly.