The Nigerian Army and the Navy have come hard on Asari Dokubo, ex-militant leader on his allegations that military top brass were behind the oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Political Economist NG  recalls that Dokubo had paid President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a visit in Aso Villa where he accused the military of being masterminds of the oil theft.

But in separate press statements, both the Army and Navy repudiated the claims of Dokubo describing it as baseless and unfounded.

They challenged Dokubo to name names to prove his allegations.

Meanwhile, Unity Advocacy Group, (UAG), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has also condemned allegations by ex-militant, Asari Dokubo, that some Nigerian military personnel are behind most of the oil thefts in the country.

The group, in a statement by its Convener, Mr Ifeanyi Aigbedion, on Friday, accused Dokubo of being economical with the truth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Dokubo levelled the allegations against the military while addressing newsmen after his meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Friday.

According to Aigbedion, Dokubo could have gone ahead and lobby for political patronage without raising unfounded allegations.

“Asari Dokubo can meet President Bola Tinubu and offer suggestions on the way forward, if he has it, without raising unfounded allegations at a time the new government is trying to settle down and proffer solutions to the economic crisis in the country.

“Even volunteering to use his boys to assist in tackling oil theft raises an eye brow and is more of selfish endeavour.

“Would the military and other security agencies have come in to the region if there had been no oil theft?

“Who are the real actors that are angry with anti-crude theft operations?

“Can Asari Dokubo mention names of the culprits, if he has them?,” the group queried.

Aigbedion said the armed forces under Gen. Lucky Irabor, should be commended for its sincere approach towards unraveling oil theft in the Niger Delta.

According to him, Nigerians are aware that no other Chief of Defence Staff has visited the sites of oil-theft like the present chief.

“Asari Dokubo and other persons in the region should reciprocate the sincerity exhibited by the leadership of the armed forces and chart a way forward,” he said. (NAN)