The war against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta is facing a setback over a 33-month backlog of unpaid rent for houseboats used to combat illegal bunkering and maritime crimes.
The Nigerian Army and three indigenous contractors are in court over the debt at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
The suit was instituted by Peaches Integrated Services Limited, Etucom Integrated Services Limited and Godsam Industrial Services Limited against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe.
The plaintiffs, who provide houseboats for military operations in the creeks and waterways, are seeking an order to compel payment of outstanding rents accumulated over 33 months and release of their boats for maintenance. The houseboats serve as floating operational bases for personnel securing the creeks from oil thieves.
Security expert Owunari Otozi said with contractors demanding release of the boats and threatening to withdraw them, the military ability to patrol the vast Niger Delta terrain is being severely compromised.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Stephen Pam, on Monday adjourned the matter till October 22, 2026 for parties to report on outcome of ongoing settlement efforts after counsel to the plaintiffs Reuben Wanogho said the JTF commander had requested a proposal for amicable settlement.
Workers of the affected companies recently protested in Port Harcourt over financial hardship caused by the non-payment, saying the strain has crippled operations and left many owed salaries.
