National News – Comrade Victor Agbutufie, popularly known as General Mighty-Man, is no stranger to the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta.
As former Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Anti-Bunkering, Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism in Bayelsa State in 2020, he led thousands of youths into difficult terrains, dismantling illegal refineries and confronting oil thieves without government funding or armed support.
In this feature interview with National News in Abuja, he speaks on his sacrifices, challenges, views on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and why he believes grassroots engagement remains key to ending oil theft in the region.
“I Operated In The Most Dangerous Oil Theft Areas”
According to General Mighty-Man, his activities predated the current operation of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and he was actively securing pipelines across several hotspots in Bayelsa and neighbouring communities.
He recalled that areas such as Okarki Community in Rivers State, Ekeremor, Brass and Southern Ijaw were among the most difficult regions plagued by illegal refining and oil theft.
Despite the risks, he said he mobilized his men and combed these areas, dismantling several illegal bunkering sites and driving away oil thieves.
He explained that his operations involved destroying illegal refineries and disrupting bunkering activities, which significantly reduced oil theft in those communities before Tantita Security was hired by the federal government.
“Before TANTITA Security came, I was in charge. I was the one operating in the region and I did a lot of
burning, and I drove away a lot of oil thieves and local refiners of petroleum products.”
“I and my boys were able to shut down those illegal bunkering sites, especially in major places like Okarki Community, Ndoro, Ekeremor, Brass, Southern Ijaw, and other parts of Delta State.”
“Those were very tough areas, but I was able to comb them and disrupt their operations – before the coming of Tantita Security,” he said.
“I Was Not Funded — I Spent My Personal Money”
General Mighty-Man revealed that his anti-oil theft operations were entirely self-funded, stressing that he spent over N120 million to sustain the campaign.
He explained that the funds were sourced from personal savings, loans, and contributions from loyal members of his team.
According to him, the money was used to hire boats, fuel operations, feed personnel, provide accommodation, and treat injured members during operations.
Despite these sacrifices, he said neither he nor his team received compensation or reimbursement from the government.
“When I was a chairman of anti-pipeline vandalism, I wasn’t funded in any way. After the appointment was given to me by IPMAN, I spent over 120 million Naira to make the federal government see my efforts and recognize my operations, because the people who gave me the job assured me that the contract would be awarded to me if I was able to convince the Government of Nigeria with my capacity.”
“And so I used all my strength, all my money, with support from some of my boys, we spent all our money, nothing remained,” he said.
“I Led Over 5,000 Youths”
The former task force chairman disclosed that he commanded over 5,016 loyal youths across the Niger Delta, although operational deployments often involved over 3,000 personnel depending on logistics.
He noted that most of the youths he mobilized were previously neglected individuals, whom he gave hope and purpose through the anti-oil theft operations.
He added that the sheer number of volunteers demonstrated the level of grassroots support he enjoyed during his campaign against oil theft.
Dangerous Encounter In Okarki Community
One of the most challenging operations, according to him, occurred in Okarki Community in Rivers State, which he described as one of the most dangerous oil bunkering hubs.
He said the entire community was allegedly involved in oil theft activities, making the operation extremely risky.
During the operation, he claimed his team was attacked, some vehicles were destroyed, and several of his men were held hostage.
General Mighty-Man disclosed that security agencies were reluctant to intervene due to the volatile nature of the area.
Eventually, a retired police officer helped secure the release of some of his men, while others escaped on their own.
He expressed disappointment that despite the incident being reported publicly, no government action followed.
“When we went there for the operation, we found out that the entire community was polarized by oil theft.”
“It was challenging because if you set any of the areas ablaze, then you have destroyed the entire community because the fire will reach everywhere, including people’s houses.”
“In short, the entire community was compromised. The chiefs, women and youths were all involved in oil theft.”
“As we were contemplating on what to do, they came out with weapons and attacked us. Then they had not realized that I was the one in their community.”
“Before some of them who knew me came, they had already snatched and destroyed our cars because it was a land-accessible area.”
“When they realized I was the one, some of them pulled back, and we were able to pull out. But even when I reached out to the security agencies to come and rescue some of my boys that were held in the community, they said Okarki is too dangerous,” he said.
Success Without Guns
General Mighty-Man explained that his operations succeeded largely through collaboration with security agencies and community leaders rather than armed confrontation.
He said he held several meetings with the DSS, Police, Civil Defence, Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Navy, while also engaging community chiefs, youth leaders and traditional rulers.
Through dialogue and persuasion, he said many communities agreed to discourage illegal refining and pipeline vandalism, which contributed to the success of his operations.
He said he was always sponsoring anti-oil theft campaigns on radio and TV, and this also helped to advance their quest.
“I Feel Bad I Was Not Carried Along”
Speaking on the current pipeline surveillance arrangement, General Mighty-Man admitted he felt disappointed that he and his team were not included when contracts were awarded to companies like Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
However, he clarified that he respects Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, describing him as a respected leader in the Niger Delta.
He suggested that some individuals around the system may have influenced decisions for personal or political interests, adding that he believes Tompolo may not be fully aware of such developments.
“Yes, I feel so bad that the government did not carry me nor my boys along in the pipeline surveillance job. Even Tantita Security did not carry me along. It’s not that Tompolo is not aware of my existence. He knows me and he has heard of my operations because I was everywhere. He knows I have the capacity. But he didn’t reach out to me to give me the opportunity to contribute to the system.”
“If you know me well, you’ll understand that, unlike most Niger Delta people, I am not someone who betrays leaders, who works against their people. I’m not somebody who goes to tell bad things about other people to get something from the system, and that was why I refused to go to Tompolo when the contract was given to him.”
“Some people, when they go there to collect contract, they will lie against their own people who have capacity. That’s how some of them get their subcontracts, by saying they are this and that, and by pulling the next person down, and I wasn’t ready for that.”
“I am not ready to lie. I’m not ready to betray my people to collect money. Some went there through their political godfathers who have their personal
interest, and they gave them those slots.”
“So I wasn’t happy. But I’m praying that God should see me through and remember me and my boys for the sacrifice we made and give us something to make up for the suffering we went through to stop oil theft and bunkering activities.”
“I am still hopeful, and I know that the government will listen to me one day and compensate me,” he said.
Against Calls For Splitting Pipeline Contract
Despite not being included in the current arrangement, General Mighty-Man opposed calls for the decentralization of the pipeline surveillance contract.
He argued that many individuals calling for the contract to be split across states and local governments may be motivated by personal gain rather than genuine interest in securing pipelines.
He maintained that the federal government should take decisions based on national interest rather than pressure from stakeholders.
“I want to state clearly that calling for each local government or state to take over pipeline surveillance in their areas is not the real issue. The truth is simple — when something is working, it is working.”
“What we are seeing now is driven largely by personal interests and misinformation, with some people trying to create the impression that a particular group has taken over the entire region.”
“Calling on the Federal Government to divide the pipeline surveillance job from Tompolo is unnecessary and uncalled for.”
“Sincerely speaking, as General Mighty-Man, I should be the first person to demand that this job be divided because I was deeply involved in securing pipelines before now. I invested my personal resources, spent my own money, and worked without any government funding or support. Yet, despite all those sacrifices, I have never called for the job to be split. Up till today, I have not benefited a single naira from the arrangement.”
“Therefore, anyone calling for the job to be split may be doing so for personal gain. If the government, in its wisdom, decides to restructure or divide the contract across states or local governments, that decision should come from the government itself — not from individuals pushing personal interests.”
“The reality is that many of those making these calls may not even have the capacity to handle such responsibilities. Some of them, if given the job in their areas, would not be able to deliver. In fact, many of those advocating for the division of the job do not even have pipelines or oil wells in their communities.”
“It is also important to note that some of these calls are being influenced by political interests. Certain individuals are being sponsored by political actors to push narratives that serve personal or political agendas rather than the collective interest of the Niger Delta.”
“I therefore urge the Federal Government to carefully examine the situation and make decisions based on facts and national interest, not on pressure from individuals driven by personal gain. The government should act according to its own judgment and what will best secure our pipelines and protect national assets,” he said.
“No Relationship With Tantita, But I Respect Tompolo”
General Mighty-Man stated that he has no personal relationship with Tantita Security Services or its leadership, including Tompolo.
However, he reiterated his respect for Tompolo, noting that leadership decisions may sometimes be influenced by individuals surrounding key decision-makers.
“I have no relationship with any of them. But I respect Tompolo a lot. As a leader of the region, I respect him very well even though one or two persons are criticizing him.”
“I know that those criticizing Tompolo are not doing it because of Tompolo. Maybe they are criticizing Tompolo because of the actions of the people around him. And you know it’s not everybody there with him that has genuine interest to serve. Many of them are there for their personal interest, so they can do anything that will trigger people to fight against Tompolo.”
“They can even mislead Tompolo for their selfish interests because Tompolo listens to the people around him,” he said.
“Nobody Reached Out To Me”
He also revealed that no one contacted him when Tantita Security was established, despite his previous experience and contributions to pipeline security.
According to him, some contracts were allegedly distributed through political interests aimed at empowering individuals ahead of elections.
“When Tantita Security came, as a stakeholder whom everybody knew very well, nobody reached out to me.”
“Nobody called me that I have tried so far that I should come and hold this in my local government. Rather, it was based on political patronage.”
“Some people were given slots to empower for the next elections. That was what I saw and that is what I am still seeing.”
“Many of the political leaders used Tantita Security to empower their boys against the next election, and I don’t think Tompolo is aware of this,” he said.
Advice To Federal Government
General Mighty-Man urged stakeholders who are dissatisfied with the current arrangement to remain patient, emphasizing that Tompolo’s efforts have contributed to increased oil production.
He advised that individuals seeking opportunities should pursue legitimate engagement with the government rather than criticizing those already engaged.
“People should not focus on another person’s progress or property. When individuals begin to fight someone else’s success, it often reflects personal dissatisfaction rather than genuine concern for the collective good.”
“The truth is that before Tantita Security came on board, there were serious and dangerous activities affecting oil pipelines. Oil theft was rampant, and the country was losing huge revenue.”
“However, when Tompolo came in, there was a noticeable change. Oil theft was significantly reduced, and oil production improved beyond previous levels. This is the result of the effort and commitment put into the job.”
“Therefore, anyone crying or fighting simply because they are not benefiting is dealing with a personal issue. It is not Tompolo’s problem, and it is not the government’s problem. Such complaints are often driven by personal interests rather than concern for national development.”
“I always advise people that if they want opportunities, they should pursue them legitimately. Nobody handed this job to Tompolo on a platter of gold. He worked for it. He made efforts, wrote to the government, engaged relevant authorities, and pursued the opportunity until approval was granted.”
“He did not sit back and wait for the job to come to him. So, if anyone wants a similar opportunity, they should follow the same path. Go to Abuja, make your case, and work towards it. If you succeed, you will get the job.”
“If someone else earns an opportunity through effort and persistence, there is no reason to fight or call for their removal. Everyone should wait for their time and pursue opportunities through the proper channels,’ he said.
“I Can Achieve Zero Oil Theft”
The former task force chairman expressed confidence that oil theft could be reduced to zero through grassroots engagement and diplomacy.
He emphasized that major oil theft operations involve powerful actors beyond local pipeline vandals, adding that addressing the issue requires strategic engagement and community-based solutions.
He maintained that with proper support, he could significantly reduce oil theft in Bayelsa within six months.
“I Sold My Property To Fund Operations”
General Mighty-Man concluded by reiterating the extent of his sacrifices, revealing that he sold personal property to repay loans taken to fund anti-oil theft operations.
He said he remains hopeful that the federal government will one day recognize his efforts and give him another opportunity to contribute to pipeline security.
He added that he and his team remain ready to serve, stressing that appointing experienced individuals with grassroots understanding is key to achieving lasting success in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta.
