Oil Theft: FG Defends Destruction Of Vessel, Says No Investigation Needed… It’s A Criminal Offense, Falana Tackles Gen Irabor

The Federal Government says the swift destruction of an oil bunkering vessel by security operatives is in line with the rules of engagement.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, stated this on Friday after a National Security Council meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Villa in Abuja.

Irabor said the vessel was caught in the act and security agents subsequently set the “instrument of operation” ablaze, noting that no investigation is needed to carry out the action.

He said, “There are various approaches, various solutions to a problem and at any time based on certain factors, certain considerations, available to those that are at the frontline, actions are taken based on the directive which are contained in the rules of engagement.

“So, the burning of the vessel, it is because the thief was caught in the act and the procedure, if you are caught in the act, is that everything you are using to undertake that criminal activity should be destroyed and that was done.

“What investigation do you need that you find somebody who decided to deplore several pumping machines and has several hoses that are deployed to a dug out pit where crude oil is stored over a period?

Meanwhile, Lagos lawyer and human right activist, Mr. Femi Falana, has countered the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor over the destruction of the vessel.

He, however, told the CDS to resign immediately or be sacked for destroying the evidence. ” It’s a criminal offense” he said. ” There’s no portion in the military rules of engagement that support arson or burning of evidence.”