Scourge Of Dreaded Militants, Oil Theft, Vandalism, Insecurity In Niger Delta Area Of Nigeria
By Bernard Endokakpo Julius
The Niger Delta Area in Nigeria comprises the states of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. The area boasts of high deposit of oil and it's regarded as a very important part of Nigeria since it generates about 85 percent of the country's revenue. The clamour and agitations to develop the Niger Delta led to the creation of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC in the year, 2,000 by the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Unfortunately, more than two decades after its creation the area is heavily laden by insecurity, oil theft and oil pipeline vandalism. This ugly development is traceable to the unhealthy activities of militants who continued to hold sway in different communities in the area.
A number of militant groups operate in the area. Their members demand an improvement of the conditions in the region and protest against its environmental degradation due to oil exploitation.
Between 2006 and 2009, after the decline of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), the most active militant group was the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). MEND was an umbrella organisation whose political objectives have focused on demanding local control over oil resources and development of the region. The group has made use of kidnapping and car bombing with the aim of kidnapping of foreign oil workers, attacks against oil pipelines, oil bunkering.
Militancy in the Niger Delta which was caused by the combined activities of the oil producing companies and the government has created a state of insecurity in the region which has affected the Nigerian economy especially, the inflow of foreign direct investment which is needed for achievement of economic development. The struggle for oil wealth has fueled violence between ethnic groups, causing the militarization of nearly the entire region by ethnic militia groups, Nigerian military and police forces, notably, the Nigerian Mobile Police. Working on the way forward the Federal Government of Nigeria under the administration of late president, Musa Yar'Adua on June 25, 2009, granted presidential amnesty to militants who had directly or indirectly participated in the commission of offences associated with militant activities in the Niger Delta, and who were willing to surrender their weapons and renounce armed struggle within a 60-day ultimatum. The amnesty measure to a large extent helped to restore peace in the area for some years before it was hijacked by strong forces in the creek and government. Many people in the area now wallow in abject poverty and without any assurance of a bright future or security.
It will be recalled that the Niger Delta has experienced militant activities due to a combination of political, economic, social, and environmental factors. Some of the key causes include:
1. *Environmental pollution*: Decades of oil exploitation have polluted the region's waterways, destroyed livelihoods, and harmed the health of local communities.
2. *Economic marginalization*: Despite being the source of Nigeria's oil wealth, the Niger Delta remains one of the poorest regions in the country, with limited access to basic amenities and infrastructure.
3. *Political disenfranchisement*: Local communities feel excluded from the political process and decision-making, leading to frustration and resentment.
4. *Unemployment and poverty*: High levels of unemployment and poverty have created a sense of desperation among young people, making them more susceptible to militant recruitment.
5. *Ethnic and regional tensions*: Historical grievances and rivalries between ethnic groups in the region have contributed to the tensions and conflicts.
6. *Corruption and mismanagement*: Widespread corruption and mismanagement of oil revenues by government officials and oil companies have exacerbated the sense of injustice and anger.
7. *Lack of infrastructure and basic services*: Inadequate provision of basic services like education, healthcare, and electricity has further fueled discontent.
8. *Historical injustices*: The region has experienced a long history of exploitation and neglect, dating back to the colonial era, which has contributed to ongoing resentment and anger.
These factors have cumulatively contributed to the rise of militant activities in the Niger Delta, as local communities have sought to draw attention to their plight and demand justice and fair treatment.
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta had since been witnessing atrocities or violent acts and criminal activities committed by some former militants and other criminal groups in the area after the 2009 amnesty program.
Some of these atrocities include:
Oil theft and illegal bunkering: The Amnesty program by the administration of late former president Musa Yar'Adua was to empower the warring militants and also, made them drop their guns and other weapons in other to bring lasting peace to the area. Unfortunately, reverse was the case as almost all the militants who were awarded scholarship to study or acquire skills any where in the world later returned to the Niger Delta to be engaging in high level of bunkering, illegal mining, drug business, kidnapping and killings. Some of these heartless militants are University Degree holders, and professionals in various vocations, unfortunately, they abandoned their professions not minding the huge amount in training them by government to engage in militancy where they have become monsters to their people instead of being a blessing to them. The heinous crimes of the Niger Delta militants had made the area to be one of the most dangerous spots in the world. They are involved in heavy lobbying for anything they seek to get and destroy anyone who stands their way in a twinkle of an eye.
Kidnap and ransom: The militants kidnap for ransom which sometimes is up to hundreds of millions of naira. Any victim who opposed to ransom will pay with his or her life. Over time many prominent Nigerians including foreigners have been kidnapped and huge ransom paid to the militants.
Armed robbery and piracy: These factors have also taken center stage by these dare devil militants who have completely gone out of government control. They have operated to the level of highjacking oil vessels and killings even in the Nigerian water ways.
Other atrocities by these unrepentant and blood sucking militants include: Pipeline vandalism, illegal arms trade, cultism and gang violence, killings and assassinations, extortion and blackmail, Illegal refining and trade of petroleum products, environmental degradation and pollution. These heartless militants have accumulated massive wealth from their inhuman and illicit activities, to the extent that they hold sway in every sector of the Nigerian economy.They work with top security agencies in the country, including the military and top government officials to achieve their selfish goals. In the process, they engage themselves in all sorts of violence against any community, group or individual who is opposed to their evil acts. They have been several instances where communities in the Niger Delta were destroyed and people, including human rights activists killed by militants and government failed to fight back due to the enormous wealth the militants wield.
These activities have had severe economic, environmental, and human costs, affecting the local communities, the Nigerian economy, and the global oil industry.
The amnesty program was intended to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate former militants into society, but some individuals and groups have continued to engage in criminal activities, undermining peace and development in the region.
The effects of militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria have been far-reaching and devastating. Some of the consequences include:
1. Environmental degradation: Oil spills and pollution have harmed the ecosystem, contaminating water sources and destroying livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and farming.
2. Economic instability: Oil theft and militancy have disrupted oil production, leading to significant revenue losses for the government and impacting the national economy.
3. Humanitarian crisis: Communities have been displaced, and there has been a rise in human rights abuses, sexual violence, and forced labor.
4. Infrastructure damage: Pipelines, facilities, and infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, hindering economic development.
5. Health impacts: Exposure to oil pollution has led to health problems, including respiratory issues and skin conditions.
6. Social unrest: Militancy and oil theft have fueled social tensions, leading to conflicts between communities and with government forces.
7. Underdevelopment: The region remains underdeveloped, with inadequate access to basic services like education, healthcare, and electricity.
8. International reputation: Nigeria's global reputation has been affected, making it challenging to attract foreign investment.
9. Increased poverty: The economic and environmental consequences have exacerbated poverty in the region.
10. Loss of lives: Militancy and oil theft have resulted in the loss of many lives, including those of civilians, military personnel, and militants.
In conclusion, addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves government, international support, and community engagement to resolve the underlying issues driving militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta Area in Nigeria.
Finally, the Nigerian government should as a matter of urgency start arresting these militants who after they were granted amnesty, trained in different professions and vocations became became monsters and blood suckers. After effecting their arrest by security agencies they should be prosecuted for going against the Federal Government Amnesty Accord. They should all be prosecuted alongside their collaborators.
*Bernard Endokakpo Julius is a seasoned social and environmental activists, who is ensuring that there is a fair and equitable society for all. He is from Okuama Community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
