Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Illegal Oil Refining in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

Given the consequences of illegal oil activities in human environment and economic loss, the study examines Nigerian security and civil defence corps fights against illegal oil activities in Emohua Local government area, Rivers State. The study is guided by three research questions and three objectives. The paper is anchored on Robert Merton strain theory and Talcot Parsons Latency theory. The paper adopts a quantitative research method, utilizing descriptive survey research design. The population of the study is 284,054. The sample size is 400, generated through Taro Yameni. Again, the questionnaire instrument is used to generate data from the respondents. Communities such as Ibaa, Rumuji, Ndele and Rumuepke were used. However, simple percentage became imperative for the analysis of the posited research questions. Thus, the study found that there were some recorded successes by NSCDC in the fight against illegal refining of crude oil in the study area, as they have closed series of pot and facilities used by oil bunkers, as well as arresting and prosecuting those involved in the illegal oil activities. Given this, the paper recommends that any member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps that is found involving or supporting illegal oil theft should be effectively punished as this will serve as deterrence to any erring member who might wish or desire to venture into the business of illegal oil activities.

Keywords: NSCDC, Illegal Oil Activities, Environmental Pollution, Insecurity