Effectiveness of the security agencies on oil crime in host communities in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: This study is carried out against the oil crime that poses protracted threat to security, economic development and healthy environment in Niger Delta, region. The paper focuses on oil crime because of the challenges it poses on host communities in Niger Delta, Nigeria. The re-occurring oil crime, environmental degradation and oil crisis that disfigured Niger Delta region have remained uncontrolled since the discovery of oil in Nigeria. This paper posits that oil crime contributes to food and human insecurity, hence serves as a threat to human existence in Nigeria. Moreover, the inability of government and security agencies to curtail the activities of oil companies, pipeline vandals and oil thieves that indulge in releasing of harmful waste substances to rivers and environment have led to deadly challenges in Niger Delta. Research Objectives: To make an assessment of security operatives in addressing oil crime in host communities in Niger Delta, Nigeria and to analyze impacts of oil crime on host communities in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Theory/Methods: The paper adopted Human Security theory and Frustration-Aggression theory. The study relied on secondary data gotten from existing literature. Results: Based on literature review and contextual analysis of the security apparatus, pipeline vandalism, crude oil sabotage, and oil theft, the researcher discovered that ineffective security on oil crime resulted in environmental damages and crippled growth of Nigeria economy among oil producing countries of the World. Moreover, the security agencies are weak and compromised. Recommendations: Hence, the paper suggest recruitment of more security personnel, provision of security logistics, installation of CCTV around pipeline, provision of social infrastructure, cleaning of oil spills in affected local areas and provision of employment for the youths in Niger Delta region.