CDS: We Burn Oil Theft Vessels Because Courts Fail to Deter Criminals

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has defended the military’s decision to set ablaze vessels used in oil theft, saying the move became necessary due to weak prosecution processes that allow offenders to quickly return to business.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, the defence chief expressed frustration that soldiers risk their lives to arrest oil thieves only for the suspects to be freed on technicalities or handed minimal penalties. According to him, such outcomes demoralize troops while encouraging criminals to continue their illegal activities.

“In the South-South, we arrest a vessel. They (offenders) give them peanuts, and the vessel is back, and that is why we started burning them. Again, people started talking about the environment, so we are now caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. For us, we started burning those items once they are found and arrested, and started having peace. But as long as we keep on arresting them and handing them over, and they go through the legal system, it becomes a problem; it takes a longer time to prosecute,” he explained.

General Musa stressed that the country’s legal bottlenecks remain a major obstacle to the fight against terrorism, banditry, and organised crime. He argued that slow trials and light punishments foster impunity and undermine national security efforts.

“It has to do with the legal system. Sometimes, when cases are taken to court, they get knocked out. We have to review our legal system. If we have special courts that will treat cases quickly, it will help. We need to review the punishment for offences. When people know they can get away with anything, impunity sets in, and that is critical. You risk your life, make an arrest, and then tomorrow you hear the suspect is released. Do you think that soldier is ready to sacrifice himself to go and make arrests again?” General Musa asked.