King Dakolo Calls on Military to Rethink Approach to Oil Theft, Insecurity in Niger Delta
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2025 8:17 am
His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, has urged the Nigerian military to redefine its strategy in tackling oil theft and insecurity in the Niger Delta.
The monarch made the remarks while receiving the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal M.N. Onyebashi, during a courtesy visit to the Council’s Secretariat.
King Dakolo described the prolonged presence of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the region as an operation that has outlived its original purpose. He questioned its long-term effectiveness since 1998, likening military security efforts to “mopping a wet floor while leaving the leaking roof untouched.”
While commending the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and discipline, King Dakolo highlighted issues of national security, accountability, and the plight of oil-producing communities. He stressed that the real masterminds of oil theft are not the youths in the creeks, but influential individuals controlling the illicit trade behind the scenes. He lamented that despite repeated discoveries of illegal pipelines and large-scale oil diversion points, no major arrests or prosecutions have been made of the financiers.
King Dakolo urged the military to act with courage and integrity, standing firmly on the side of justice and the Constitution, even under political pressure. He emphasized that lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved through force alone but through inclusion, fairness, and development.
Air Vice Marshal Onyebashi said the visit was aimed at strengthening civil–military relations and seeking royal guidance for the Command’s ongoing operations. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s campaign against oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
The Air Officer Commanding also praised King Dakolo for his consistent advocacy for justice and good governance, describing him as a “voice of wisdom and stability” in the region. A highlight of the visit was the monarch’s presentation of his published works to the Air Force delegation, exploring the complexities of governance, oil politics, and the quest for justice in Nigeria.
#GbaramatuVoice #NigerDelta #OilTheft #Security #GbaramatuVoiceTV
https://www.facebook.com/share/19zktGibTx/
The monarch made the remarks while receiving the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, Air Vice Marshal M.N. Onyebashi, during a courtesy visit to the Council’s Secretariat.
King Dakolo described the prolonged presence of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the region as an operation that has outlived its original purpose. He questioned its long-term effectiveness since 1998, likening military security efforts to “mopping a wet floor while leaving the leaking roof untouched.”
While commending the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and discipline, King Dakolo highlighted issues of national security, accountability, and the plight of oil-producing communities. He stressed that the real masterminds of oil theft are not the youths in the creeks, but influential individuals controlling the illicit trade behind the scenes. He lamented that despite repeated discoveries of illegal pipelines and large-scale oil diversion points, no major arrests or prosecutions have been made of the financiers.
King Dakolo urged the military to act with courage and integrity, standing firmly on the side of justice and the Constitution, even under political pressure. He emphasized that lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved through force alone but through inclusion, fairness, and development.
Air Vice Marshal Onyebashi said the visit was aimed at strengthening civil–military relations and seeking royal guidance for the Command’s ongoing operations. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s campaign against oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta.
The Air Officer Commanding also praised King Dakolo for his consistent advocacy for justice and good governance, describing him as a “voice of wisdom and stability” in the region. A highlight of the visit was the monarch’s presentation of his published works to the Air Force delegation, exploring the complexities of governance, oil politics, and the quest for justice in Nigeria.
#GbaramatuVoice #NigerDelta #OilTheft #Security #GbaramatuVoiceTV
https://www.facebook.com/share/19zktGibTx/