The Senate has ordered a comprehensive probe into the activities of security forces and organised groups employing sophisticated techniques to illegally steal crude oil in the country.

This decision was prompted by a motion put forth during the plenary session by Senator NED NWOKO representing Delta North.

Senator NWOKO pointed out that existing statistical data highlights the grave socio-economic crisis Nigeria is facing due to pipeline vandalism and oil bunkering.

He stressed that oil theft has resulted in a staggering revenue shortfall of 2.3 trillion naira for Nigeria this year.

The lawmaker further asserted that certain individuals within the security apparatus collaborated with corrupt elements in the oil industry to partake in this unlawful practice.

Senator ABDULFATAI BUHARI representing Oyo North, in his contribution, called for punitive measures to combat oil bunkering.

Similarly, Senator ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE representing Edo North said oil theft was an organised crime involving the bunkers and the security operatives.

Consequently, the Senate instructed its committees on Petroleum Resources, host communities, and Niger Delta Affairs to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the activities of any individual or entity suspected of employing advanced methods to illegally obtain resources from oil facilities.