The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jubrin, has tasked international oil companies to support the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in the fight against oil theft, vandalism and bunkering.

Speaking during a meeting with international oil giants in Abuja, the Naval Chief accused oil majors as being accessories to oil theft as some of them have deliberately left their oil well heads open for years .

He warned that henceforth the navy will begin to arrest any oil major who deliberately contributes to the stealing of Nigerian oil.

This warning is coming on the heels of a plea by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) seeking the assistance of the Nigerian Navy in its fight against oil theft and other crimes on Nigerian water ways.

The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr Joseph Dawha, on Tuesday said the security of personnel in the petroleum industry has become one major challenge requiring continuous engagement and collaboration with security agencies.

He said this will have a positive impact on the socio-economic growth of the nation.

Rear Admiral Jubrin, who shared in the frustration of the NNPC, however noted that the efforts of the navy are beginning to yield the desired result to rid the nations water ways of pirates.

The Naval Chief asked the NNPC to play its role as stipulated in the constitution whenever the navy successfully foils criminal operations on the water ways. Both agencies agreed that collaboration is a key strategy to protecting the country’s oil wealth from criminals.

It is estimated that Nigeria is losing between 60 to 80 thousand barrels of crude daily to oil theft and vandalism.