THE NEXUS BETWEEN CORRUPTION AND RESOURCE THEFT: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY IN RESOURCE-RICH NATIONS

Abstract

The nexus between crude oil theft, corruption, and national security in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted. Oil theft directly impacts the nation's economy by reducing government revenue, which in turn limits the resources available for critical public services, including security and law enforcement. Corruption, by weakening governance and fostering impunity, compounds these security threats, allowing criminal networks to thrive This study investigates the intricate relationship between crude oil theft, corruption, and national security in Nigeria. The study utilised a longitudinal research design, examining secondary data from 2013 to 2023, including metrics such as oil theft, political corruption, violent events, and fatalities. Data from sources like the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the World Bank's political corruption index were analysed using Poisson regression to assess the effects of oil theft and corruption on national security. Findings revealed that crude oil theft has a statistically significant positive relationship with violent events, while political corruption, represented by the political corruption index, shows a strong negative relationship with security, with an estimate of -

26.475. This could imply that corruption may sometimes act as a stabilising force whereby, in corrupt systems, those in power might suppress violence to maintain order and avoid public attention that could threaten their positions. However, political corruption has a substantial positive effect on fatalities, with an estimate of 19.589. This highlights that as corruption increases, fatalities rise significantly, pointing to the detrimental impact of corruption on state institutions and the rule of law. These findings also suggest that while crude oil theft directly contributes to insecurity, political corruption may reduce overt violence by maintaining fragile stability. Therefore, addressing these issues requires a nuanced approach. Policymakers must recognise that combating corruption and oil theft alone will not be sufficient to ensure national security; instead, strategies should tackle both issues simultaneously, understanding that reducing visible violence does not always eliminate the underlying causes of insecurity.

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Patrick G. Onogwu, & Olanrewaju Lawal. (2024). THE NEXUS BETWEEN CORRUPTION AND RESOURCE THEFT: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY IN RESOURCE-RICH NATIONS. The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology, 6(11), 42–51. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume06Issue11-07
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Abstract

The nexus between crude oil theft, corruption, and national security in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted. Oil theft directly impacts the nation's economy by reducing government revenue, which in turn limits the resources available for critical public services, including security and law enforcement. Corruption, by weakening governance and fostering impunity, compounds these security threats, allowing criminal networks to thrive This study investigates the intricate relationship between crude oil theft, corruption, and national security in Nigeria. The study utilised a longitudinal research design, examining secondary data from 2013 to 2023, including metrics such as oil theft, political corruption, violent events, and fatalities. Data from sources like the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the World Bank's political corruption index were analysed using Poisson regression to assess the effects of oil theft and corruption on national security. Findings revealed that crude oil theft has a statistically significant positive relationship with violent events, while political corruption, represented by the political corruption index, shows a strong negative relationship with security, with an estimate of -

26.475. This could imply that corruption may sometimes act as a stabilising force whereby, in corrupt systems, those in power might suppress violence to maintain order and avoid public attention that could threaten their positions. However, political corruption has a substantial positive effect on fatalities, with an estimate of 19.589. This highlights that as corruption increases, fatalities rise significantly, pointing to the detrimental impact of corruption on state institutions and the rule of law. These findings also suggest that while crude oil theft directly contributes to insecurity, political corruption may reduce overt violence by maintaining fragile stability. Therefore, addressing these issues requires a nuanced approach. Policymakers must recognise that combating corruption and oil theft alone will not be sufficient to ensure national security; instead, strategies should tackle both issues simultaneously, understanding that reducing visible violence does not always eliminate the underlying causes of insecurity.


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PUBLISHED DATE: - 04-11-2024
DOI: -

https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume06Issue11-07

PAGE NO.: - 42-51

THE NEXUS BETWEEN CORRUPTION AND
RESOURCE THEFT: IMPLICATIONS FOR
NATIONAL SECURITY IN RESOURCE-RICH
NATIONS


Patrick G. Onogwu

PhD Student City University, Cambodia

Olanrewaju Lawal

Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Faculty of
Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Open Access

Abstract


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INTRODUCTION

Nigeria, as one of the largest oil-producing

countries in Africa, grapples with the significant
challenges of crude oil theft and corruption (Okorie

et al., 2023). These issues not only undermine the
nation's economic stability but also pose severe

threats to national security. Crude oil theft leads to
substantial

revenue

losses,

environmental

degradation, and has been linked to funding
criminal activities and insurgency (Adishi & Hunga,

2017). Crude oil theft, often referred to as
bunkering, involves the illegal extraction,

transportation, and sale of crude oil. This illicit
activity has been rampant in the Niger Delta region,

where complex networks of criminals and local
militants tap into pipelines, siphoning off vast

quantities of oil (Romsom, 2022). The scale of this

theft is staggering, with estimates suggesting that
Nigeria loses hundreds of thousands of barrels of

oil daily to illegal activities (Bodo et al., 2020). The
consequences of crude oil theft are far-reaching: it

results in significant revenue losses for the
government, environmental degradation from oil

spills, and potential funding for armed groups that
destabilise the country and Niger Delta region.
Corruption exacerbates the problem of crude oil

theft. Nigeria has long struggled with high levels of

corruption, which permeates various levels of
government and the private sector (Hope & Hope,

2017). Corrupt practices undermine the
effectiveness of law enforcement and regulatory

agencies tasked with protecting oil infrastructure
and

ensuring

compliance

with

industry

regulations.

Bribery,

embezzlement,

and

mismanagement of public funds erode trust in

institutions and facilitate the continuation of illegal
oil activities (Hope & Hope, 2017). The

combination of crude oil theft and corruption
creates a vicious cycle that hampers economic

development, fuels social unrest, and could pose
significant challenges to national security.
The nexus between crude oil theft, corruption, and

national security in Nigeria is complex and

multifaceted. Oil theft directly impacts the nation's
economy by reducing government revenue, which

in turn limits the resources available for critical
public services, including security and law

enforcement (Henry & Mohammed, 2023). The

environmental damage caused by oil spills from
sabotage and illegal refining activities further

compounds the human security crisis in affected
communities, leading to health issues, loss of

livelihoods, and forced displacement (Olufemi &

Ogunmodede, 2021). Corruption undermines the
rule of law and weakens the capacity of the state to

respond effectively to security threats. It fosters
impunity, allowing criminal networks to operate

with relative freedom and perpetuating a culture of
lawlessness (Singh, 2022). The funds generated

from crude oil theft often finance armed groups,
exacerbating violence and insecurity in the Niger

Delta and beyond (Romsom, 2022). These
dynamics contribute to a broader context of

instability, where economic, environmental, and
social factors converge to threaten national

security.
Despite various measures taken by the Nigerian

government and international bodies to curb crude
oil theft and corruption, these issues persist, with

dire implications for national security (Jooji et al.,
2023; Nwozor et al., 2023; Okorie et al., 2023; Oziri

& Achinike, 2021). There is a need for a robust
empirical and quantitative analysis to understand

the relationship between crude oil theft,
corruption, and national security in Nigeria. By

examining data on human security, oil spills due to
sabotage, and corruption indices over time, this

study aims to identify trends and relationships

which will provide a better understanding of the
problem. Furthermore, this study seeks to provide

actionable insights and recommendations to
policymakers, security agencies, and stakeholders

committed to enhancing Nigeria's national security
and economic prosperity.
Furthermore, most studies examining the

relationship between crude oil theft, corruption,
and

national

security

in

Nigeria

have

predominantly utilised qualitative methodologies

(Adishi & Hunga, 2017; Okoli & Orinya, 2013;
Onuoha, 2008). These studies have provided

valuable insights into the socio-political and
economic implications of crude oil theft and

corruption, emphasising narrative descriptions


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and case studies to highlight the issues. However,

there is a significant gap in the literature regarding
empirical and quantitative analyses that can

systematically measure and evaluate these
relationships.
Qualitative research, while rich in contextual detail,

often

lacks

the

statistical

rigour

and

generalisability that quantitative studies can
provide (Hays & McKibben, 2021). Consequently,

there is a need for a study that employs empirical
methods to quantitatively assess the trends,

correlations, and impacts of crude oil theft and
corruption on national security in Nigeria. This

study aims to fill this gap by utilising robust
quantitative techniques to analyse data over the

past decade. By doing so, it seeks to provide a more
objective and comprehensive understanding of the

dynamics at play and offer actionable insights
grounded in empirical evidence.
Studies have highlighted the pressing challenges

facing Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly

to oil theft, corruption, environmental degradation,
and socio-economic instability. Nwozor et al.

(2023) delved into the profound consequences of

oil theft in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, demonstrating

how it not only fuels environmental degradation
but also disrupts socio- economic stability and

human security. The destruction of traditional
livelihoods through oil theft and artisanal refining

leaves communities impoverished and prone to
unrest. To counter these effects, the authors

suggest

strengthening

state

institutions,

legitimizing artisanal refining, and developing
targeted welfare programs.
Building on this, Yahaya et al. (2020) broaden the

scope by investigating the interplay between
financial

development,

corruption,

and

environmental degradation across eight Sub-
Saharan African countries. Their findings align

with Nwozor et al.'s analysis, highlighting how
corruption can magnify environmental harm,

especially when financial growth is pursued

without strong regulatory frameworks. They call
for the adoption of energy-efficient technologies

and robust anti-corruption measures as essential
steps to mitigate environmental degradation in the

region.

Corruption's destabilising effects are further

explored by Shimawua (2020), who examines its
role in prolonging the Boko Haram insurgency in

Nigeria. Corrupt practices within the military, the
study argues, have diverted crucial resources from

the fight against insurgency, thereby weakening
the effectiveness of military operations. The

solution, according to Shimawua, lies in eliminating
corrupt officials from the military to restore

operational effectiveness and enhance national
security.
Olanrewaju et al. (2020) extend this discussion by

addressing how the mismanagement of natural

resources, driven by greed and grievance, fuels
conflicts and security challenges throughout Africa.

Their findings echo the arguments of previous
studies, underscoring that without proper resource

management and a concerted effort to curb
corru

ption, the continent’s security and stability

remain in jeopardy. The economic dimensions of
oil theft are quantified by Umar and Mohammed

(2021), who estimate that Nigeria loses

approximately US$6 billion annually due to this
illicit activity. These losses, they argue, not only

undermine the country’s revenue generation but

also exacerbate the socio-economic challenges

facing local communities. To address this, they
advocate for comprehensive measures to combat

illicit financial flows and improve transparency in
resource management.
Finally, Agba and Aide (2020) bring the broader

implications of corruption into focus, showing how

it permeates governance, development, and
security in Nigeria. They highlight how corruption

erodes public trust, misallocates resources, and
deepens poverty and inequality. Their call for a

united national effort to eradicate corruption
resonates with the solutions proposed across these

studies, all of which emphasize the need for reform
to improve governance, promote sustainability,

and enhance socio-economic stability.
Together,

these

studies

showcase

the

interconnected challenges facing Nigeria and Sub-
Saharan Africa, linking corruption, resource

mismanagement, and environmental degradation
with broader socio-economic and security

concerns. The solutions proposed converge on the


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need for institutional reforms, anti-corruption

measures, and sustainable resource management
to promote long-term stability and development in

the region.
Moreover, the current literature does not

adequately link corruption in the oil sector,

particularly crude oil theft, with national security.

While the detrimental effects of corruption on
political stability and economic growth are

recognised, there is a need for a deeper
understanding of how oil theft contributes to

security threats. This includes exploring how
stolen oil revenues finance activities that

destabilise the country, posing a direct threat to
national security.
Additionally, existing literature often addresses

corruption and crude oil theft as isolated issues,

without fully exploring their combined and

compounding effects on Nigeria’s overall security

landscape. This study fills this gap by providing an
integrated analysis of how corruption within the

military and government institutions, alongside the
rampant theft of crude oil, collectively undermines

Nigeria's national security. This study is therefore
highly relevant as it addresses these gaps by

focusing specifically on how crude oil theft
undermines economic stability and poses

significant challenges to national security. By
exploring these issues, the study contributes to a

more nuanced understanding of the sector-specific
impacts of corruption and provides critical insights

into the effectiveness of recent anti-corruption

measures an

d their implications for Nigeria’s

security and international relations.

DATA AND METHODS

This study employed a longitudinal research

design, which is a method of study where data is

collected from the same subjects repeatedly over
an extended period of time (Mohajan, 2020). This

approach is particularly useful for observing
changes, trends, and developments within a

particular

phenomenon,

population,

or

environment over time. The study area for this

study is Nigeria, a West African nation that is one of
the largest oil producers in the world and a

significant player in the global energy market
(Adedayo et al., 2021). Nigeria's oil industry,

concentrated in the Niger Delta region which is

comprised of nine states

Abia, Akwa Ibom,

Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and

Rivers

and rich in crude oil reserves and has been

the hub of the nation's oil exploration and

production activities since the 1950s (Edo et al.,
2024).
Nigeria is a federal republic comprising 36 states

and a Federal Capital Territory, with Abuja as its

capital. The executive branch is led by the
President, who serves as both the head of state and

head of the federal government (Obiadi & Onochie,
2018). Nigeria's economy is the largest in Africa,

ranking 31st globally by nominal GDP and 30th by
purchasing power parity (PPP) (Isibor et al., 2022).

In 2022, its GDP (PPP) per capita was $9,148, which
is lower than that of South Africa, Egypt, or

Morocco, but slightly higher than Ghana and Ivory
Coast (Ojoare, 2023). Nigeria is a key player in

Africa, particularly in energy, financial markets,
pharmaceuticals, and entertainment. Beyond oil,

remittances from Nigerians abroad are the second-

largest source of foreign exchange earnings
(Ayuba, 2023).
Nigeria's financial services sector is highly

developed, featuring a mix of local and
international banks, asset management companies,

brokerage firms, insurance companies, private
equity funds, and investment banks (Oshikoya &

Durosinmi-Etti, 2019). The country has a lower-
middle-income economy with abundant natural

resources, including coal, bauxite, tantalite, gold,

tin, iron ore, limestone, niobium, lead, and zinc.
Despite these vast resources, Nigeria's mining

industry remains underdeveloped (Ayuk et al.,
2020).
Nigeria is the world's 15th largest oil producer, the

6th largest exporter, and holds the 9th largest
proven oil reserves (Adedara & Adetifa, 2022). Oil

is a major driver of the Nigerian economy,
contributing about 80% of government revenue.

Nigeria also has significant natural gas reserves,

which are seen as key to unlocking economic
growth along the Niger River. However, the

country loses an estimated $2.5 billion annually to
gas flaring and over 120,000 barrels of oil per day

to crude theft in the Niger Delta, leading to conflict


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and production disruptions. The Niger Delta Basin,

in the south-south region, is Nigeria's most
productive oil area, containing 78 of the country's

159 oil fields (Olade, 2021). Despite these
resources, petroleum was Nigeria's main import

until 2021, accounting for 24% of imports.
However, challenges like oil theft have prompted

international oil companies to consider divesting
their Nigerian assets.

DATA

Secondary data used for this study was sourced

from data repositories. The nature of the data for

this study encompassed several quantitative
metrics related to national security, crude oil theft

and corruption. Specifically, the data will include
crude oil theft, violent events and fatalities, oil spill

statistics, and political corruption index. National

security data was obtained from the Armed Conflict
Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). For oil spill

data, the study relied on information from the
National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency

(NOSDRA) while the data on corruption was
political corruption index sourced from World

Bank database.

METHODS

Data on violent events and fatalities, political

corruption index, and crude oil theft was collated,
sorted and cleaned using R to ensure its alignment

with the aim and the period (2013 to 2013) this
study. regression analysis was conducted to

assessing the impact of crude oil theft and
corruption on national security (human security).

Poisson regression analysis was utilized to
quantify the impact of crude oil theft and

corruption on national security; this analysis was
carried out in the context of two aspects of national

security (violent events and fatalities). Poisson

regression is particularly well-suited for this
analysis because the dependent variables

national security indicators (violent events and
fatalities)

are often count data, such as the

number of violent events and fatalities. By
employing this statistical method, the study aimed

to model the relationship between these variables

and the predictors (crude oil theft and corruption)

while accounting for the frequency of occurrences
within a given time frame.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
RESULTS
Influence of Corruption and Crude Oil Theft on

National Security (Violent Event) in Nigeria

Over the Past Decade

Table 1 shows results from Poisson regression on

the influence of crude oil theft, political corruption
on national security in Nigeria. The model assesses

how changes in crude oil theft events count and the
political corruption index influence the number of

total security events. The model summary reveals
significant findings. The intercept has a value of

30.761, with a standard error of 0.8546 and a
highly significant Wald Chi-Square value of

1295.707 (p < 0.001). This indicates a high baseline
level of security when other factors, such as crude

oil theft event count and political corruption, are
held constantly. This suggests that Nigeria faces

inherent security challenges beyond those

associated with crude oil theft and corruption.
Crude oil theft events have a positive and

statistically significant relationship with total

security events. The estimate for crude oil event
count is 0.001, with a very small standard error of

0.00003, and a Wald Chi-Square value of 480.703
(p < 0.001). Although the increase in security

events per crude oil event is small, the significance
of the relationship indicates that oil theft plays a

considerable role in fueling insecurity. Over time,

the accumulation of oil-related crimes contributes
to greater instability, further exacerbating national

security

concerns.

Political

corruption,

represented by the political corruption index,

shows a strong negative relationship with security,
with an estimate of -26.475 and a standard error of

0.947. The Wald Chi-Square for this parameter is
780.975 (p < 0.001). This indicates that as

corruption reduces, the number of security events
increases.


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Table 1 model summary on the influence of corruption and crude oil theft on national security (violent events) in Nigeria

over the past decade

95% Wald
Confidence

Interval

Hypothesis

Test

Parameter

B

Std.
Error

Lower

Upper

Wald

Chi-

Square

df

Sig.

(Intercept)

30.761

.854

29.086

32.436

1295.707

1

.000

COTEC

.001

3.366x10

-

5

.001

.001

480.703

1

.000

PCI

-26.475 .947

-28.332

-24.619 780.975

1

.000

(Scale)

1

a

Dependent Variable: Total_Events

Model: (Intercept), Crude_oil_event_count (COTEC), Political-corruption index (PCI)

a. Fixed at the displayed value.

Influence of Corruption and Crude Oil Theft on

National Security (Fatalities) in Nigeria Over
the Past Decade

Table 2 showcases insights into the impact of crude

oil event counts and political corruption on the
total number of fatalities. The intercept was

estimated at -9.962, with a standard error of 0.449,
and a Wald Chi-Square value of 491.403 (p <

0.001). This indicates a low baseline level of
fatalities in the absence of crude oil events and

corruption, although other inherent factors may

still influence fatality levels.

The crude oil event count demonstrated a small but

statistically significant negative relationship with
the total number of fatalities, with an estimated

coefficient of -0.00006 (p = 0.001). This suggests
that, counterintuitively, as crude oil theft events

increase, fatalities may slightly decrease. While the
effect is minimal, this could reflect the complex

dynamics of criminal activities related to oil theft,
where more oil theft incidents may not always lead

directly to higher fatality counts.
On the other hand, the political corruption index

had a substantial positive effect on fatalities, with


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an estimate of 19.589, a standard error of 0.495,

and a Wald Chi-Square value of 1562.575 (p <
0.001). This finding highlights the significant role

corruption plays in exacerbating fatal security
events. As corruption increases, the weakening of

state institutions and the erosion of law
enforcement contribute to a greater number of

fatalities, creating a dangerous environment where

violence and conflict thrive. Therefore, while oil

theft may not always result in an immediate
increase in deaths, political corruption has a clear

and strong link to higher fatality rates. Reducing
corruption and strengthening governance will be

crucial in addressing the rising fatalities associated
with security events in Nigeria.

Table 2a model summary on the influence of corruption and crude oil theft on national security (fatalities) in Nigeria over

the past decade

95% Wald
Confidence

Interval

Hypothesis
Test

Paramet

er

B

Std. Error

Lower

Upper

Wald

Chi-

Square

df

Sig.

(Intercep

t)

-9.962

.449

-10.843 -9.082

491.403

1

.000

COTEC -6.081x10

-5

1.7613x10

-

5

-9.534x10

-

5

-2.629x10

-5

11.921

1

.001

PCI

19.589

.4956

18.618

20.560

1562.575

1

.000


Dependent Variable: Total_Fatalities

Model: (Intercept), Crude_oil_event_count (COTEC), Political-corruption index (PCI)

a. Fixed at the displayed value.

DISCUSSION

The Poisson regression results highlight the

influence of both crude oil theft and political

corruption on national security in Nigeria. These
findings offer critical insights into how economic

crimes and governance issues exacerbate
insecurity. The significant baseline level of security

events, as indicated by the intercept, implies that
Nigeria faces underlying security challenges that

persist even without the direct influence of crude
oil theft and corruption. This suggests that the

national security landscape is shaped by multiple
factors, some of which may be rooted in broader

systemic or structural issues within the country.
The positive and significant relationship between


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crude oil theft and security events underscores the

destabilising role that oil-related crimes play in
Nigeria's security dynamics. Although the marginal

increase in security events per oil theft incident is
small, the cumulative effect over time cannot be

ignored. These findings align with studies such as
Nwozor et al. (2023), who emphasise the broader

implications of oil theft on human security and

environmental degradation in Nigeria’s Niger

Delta. Oil theft not only depletes national resources
but also fosters conditions of instability that enable

further criminal activities and conflict.
However, the surprising negative relationship

between crude oil theft and fatalities adds a layer
of complexity. While theft increases violence, it

minimally reduces fatalities. This suggests that oil-
related crimes might be evolving into less overtly

violent operations, perhaps involving more covert
activities that result in fewer immediate fatalities.

This result contrasts with the findings of Umar and
Mohammed (2021), who emphasise the economic

damage of oil theft but do not directly link it to a

reduction in fatalities.
In contrast, political corruption exhibits dual

effects. The significant negative relationship

between political corruption and violent events
suggests that corruption may sometimes suppress

overt violence. This could be because corrupt
officials attempt to maintain a fragile order,

preventing violent outbreaks that might destabilise
their control. Yet, the deeper implication of this

finding reveals how corruption erodes governance

and law enforcement. As corruption rises,
weakened

institutions

and

governance

mechanisms reduce the state’s ability to effectively

respond to security threats. This mirrors

Shimawua (2020), who highlighted how

corruption has crippled Nigeria’s military efforts,

prolonging conflicts like the Boko Haram
insurgency.
Moreso, the relationship between political

corruption and violent events could be explained

by the notion that corruption may sometimes act as
a stabilising force. In corrupt systems, those in

power might suppress violence to maintain order
and avoid public attention that could threaten their

positions. Corruption could also divert resources

away from overt criminal activities, leading to

fewer visible violent incidents, although deeper
systemic issues remain unresolved. The significant

positive relationship between political corruption
and fatalities underscores the deadly consequences

of weakened governance. As corruption escalates,
lawlessness increases, leading to more fatal

security events. This highlights the urgent need for
anti-corruption reforms to improve national

security. The findings align with Yahaya et al.
(2020), who observed that corruption exacerbates

environmental degradation, further demonstrating

the far-reaching impacts of corruption on public
safety. The strong correlation between corruption

and fatalities reinforces the need for stronger,
more transparent institutions to combat

corruption and its fatal effects. Overall, while crude
oil theft and political corruption are major drivers

of insecurity in Nigeria, they affect different
security metrics in distinct ways. Oil theft

contributes to insecurity through non-lethal
means, while corruption intensifies violence and

lawlessness, resulting in higher fatality rates. This

multifaceted nature of Nigeria’s security challenges

demands comprehensive strategies that tackle
both economic crimes and governance failures.

CONCLUSIONS

The regression analysis provides insight into the

complex relationship between political corruption,

crude oil theft, and violent events in Nigeria. The
model shows that even in the absence of these

variables, there is a baseline level of violence,

indicating that factors beyond corruption and oil
theft contribute to national security challenges.

The analysis reveals that crude oil theft is
positively correlated with violent events, meaning

that as oil theft increases, so does the level of
violence. This suggests that illegal activities tied to

the oil industry, such as resource conflicts or
criminal syndicates, are significant drivers of

violence in the country. Crude oil theft fuels unrest,
likely due to competition over valuable resources

or the funding of militant groups through illegal
proceeds.
Conversely, the relationship between political

corruption and violent events is negative,

indicating that as corruption increases, violent


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events decrease. Although counterintuitive, this

could be explained by the notion that corruption
may sometimes act as a stabilising force. In corrupt

systems, those in power might suppress violence to
maintain order and avoid public attention that

could threaten their positions. Corruption could
also divert resources away from overt criminal

activities, leading to fewer visible violent incidents,
although deeper systemic issues remain

unresolved. These findings suggest that while
crude oil theft directly contributes to insecurity,

political corruption may reduce overt violence by

maintaining a fragile stability. However,
addressing these issues requires a nuanced

approach. Policymakers must recognise that
combating corruption and oil theft alone will not be

sufficient to ensure national security; instead,
strategies

should

tackle

both

issues

simultaneously, understanding that reducing
visible violence does not always eliminate the

underlying causes of insecurity.

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Jooji, I., Okwara, E. C., & Momoh, Z. (2023). A

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background image

THE USA JOURNALS

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES (ISSN

2689-0992)

VOLUME 06 ISSUE06

51

https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajpslc

sciences. Journal of Economic Development,

Environment and People, 9(4), 50-79.

16.

Nwozor, A., Afolabi, O., Chidume, C. G., &

Owoeye, M. O. (2023). What has state weakness

got to do with it? Oil theft and implications on
human a

nd environmental security in Nigeria’s

Niger Delta region. Local Environment, 28(11),

1428-1445.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2023.222

1893

17.

Obiadi, B. N., & Onochie, A. (2018). Abuja,

Nigeria

urban

actors,

master

plan,

development laws and their roles in the design
and shaping of abuja federal territory and their

urban environments. IIARD Int. J. Geogr.
Environ. Manag, 4, 23-43.

18.

Ojoare, W. (2023). The Political Economy of

Foreign Aid: Nigeria in Perspective. Available at

SSRN 4602904.

19.

Okoli, A. C., & Orinya, S. (2013). Oil pipeline

vandalism and Nigeria’s national security.

20.

Global Journal of Human Social Science, 13(5),

67-75.

21.

Okorie, C., Udoh, E., & Bassey, O. B. (2023).

Mirroring the developmental challenges of oil-
rich Nigeria within the context of resource

curse/Dutch disease and paradox of plenty.

TIJER

International Research Journal, 10(4),

818-834.

22.

Olade, M. A. (2021). Mineral deposits and

exploration potential of Nigeria. Prescott
books. Olufemi, O., & Ogunmodede, O. D.

(2021). Safeguarding the Food Basket from Oil

23.

Spills/Pollution in Nigeria: Post-Oil City

Perspective. Journal of Inclusive Cities and
Built Environment, 1(1), 67-79.

24.

Onuoha, F. C. (2008). Oil pipeline sabotage in

Nigeria: Dimensions, actors and implications
for national security. African Security Review,

17(3),

99-115.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2008.962

7487

25.

Oshikoya, T. W., & Durosinmi-Etti, K. (2019).

Frontier capital markets and investment

banking: principles and practice from Nigeria.

Routledge.

26.

Oziri, M. H., & Achinike, M. C. (2021). Reforms

in the Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria from 1999

2021: A Critical Appraisal.

27.

Romsom, E. (2022). Countering global oil theft:

Responses and solutions. WIDER Working
Paper.

28.

Shimawua, D. (2020). Corruption and national

security: The military campaign against Boko
Haram insurgency in Nigeria. International

Journal of Advanced Research in Public Policy,

Administration and Development Strategies
(IJARPPADS), 4(1), 101-113.

29.

Singh, D. (2022). The Causes of Police

Corruption and Working towards Prevention in
Conflict-Stricken States. Laws, 11(5), 69.

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-471X/11/5/69

30.

Umar, B., & Mohammed, Z. (2021). The effects

of illicit financial flows on oil and gas revenue
generation in Nigeria. Journal of Money

Laundering

Control,

24(1),

177-186.

https://doi.org/10.1108/JMLC-07-2020-0081

31.

Yahaya, N. S., Mohd‐Jali, M. R., & Raji, J. O.

(2020). The role of financial development and
corruption in environmental degradation of

Sub-Saharan African countries. Management of

Environmental Quality: An International
Journal,

31(4),

895-913.

https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-09-2019-0190

References

Adedara, V. O., & Adetifa, E. (2022). Oil Production and Energy Consumption: Is OPEC a Blessing or Impediment to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry? IJOCLLEP, 4, 116.

Adedayo, H. B., Adio, S. A., & Oboirien, B. O. (2021). Energy research in Nigeria: A bibliometric analysis. Energy Strategy Reviews, 34, 100629. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2021.100629

Adishi, E., & Hunga, M. O. (2017). Oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism: It’s impact on Nigeria economy, 2015–2016. International Journal of Economics and Business Management, 3(2), 47-65.

Ayuba, M. R. (2023). Remittance flows: examining the frequency and relevance in Nigeria.

Sapientia Global Journal of Arts, Humanities and Development Studies, 6(1).

Ayuk, E., Pedro, A., Ekins, P., Gatune, J., Milligan, B., Oberle, B., Christmann, P., Ali, S., Kumar, S. V., & Bringezu, S. (2020). Mineral Resource Governance in the 21st Century: Gearing extractive industries towards sustainable development. International Resource Panel, United Nations Envio, Nairobi, Kenya.

Bodo, T., Gimah, B. G., & Seomoni, K. J. (2020). Illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: a challenge to Nigeria’s development. European Scientific Journal, 16(29), 134-154.

Edo, G. I., Samuel, P. O., Jikah, A. N., Ekokotu, H. A., Ugbune, U., Oghroro, E. E. A., Emakpor,

O. L., Essaghah, A. E. A., Ainyanbhor, I. E., & Ojulari, A. E. (2024). Petroleum discovery, utilization and processing in the World and Nigeria: a comprehensive literature review. Sustainable Chemical Engineering, 191-215.

Hays, D. G., & McKibben, W. B. (2021). Promoting Rigorous Research: Generalizability and Qualitative Research. Journal of Counseling & Development, 99(2), 178-188. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12365

Henry, A., & Mohammed, S. U. (2023). Oil pipelines vandalism and oil theft: Security threat to nigerian economy and environment. J. Envtl. L. & Pol'y, 3, 171.

Hope, S., Kempe Ronald, & Hope, K. R. (2017). Corruption in Nigeria. Corruption and Governance in Africa: Swaziland, Kenya, Nigeria, 125-162.

Isibor, A. A., Kehinde, A. A., Felicia, O. O., Tolulope, A. F., Victoria, A. A., & Mercy, U. E. (2022). Achieving sustained performance in the Nigerian oil and gas sector despite exchange rate fluctuations: A VAR Approach. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 12(3), 341-351.

Jooji, I., Okwara, E. C., & Momoh, Z. (2023). A Retrospect On Oil, State And Insurgency In Niger Delta Region And Its Implications For Nigeria’s National Security. Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 33, 3879-3892.

Mohajan, H. K. (2020). Quantitative research: A successful investigation in natural and social sciences. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, 9(4), 50-79.

Nwozor, A., Afolabi, O., Chidume, C. G., & Owoeye, M. O. (2023). What has state weakness got to do with it? Oil theft and implications on human and environmental security in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. Local Environment, 28(11), 1428-1445. https://doi.org/10.1080/13549839.2023.2221893

Obiadi, B. N., & Onochie, A. (2018). Abuja, Nigeria urban actors, master plan, development laws and their roles in the design and shaping of abuja federal territory and their urban environments. IIARD Int. J. Geogr. Environ. Manag, 4, 23-43.

Ojoare, W. (2023). The Political Economy of Foreign Aid: Nigeria in Perspective. Available at SSRN 4602904.

Okoli, A. C., & Orinya, S. (2013). Oil pipeline vandalism and Nigeria’s national security.

Global Journal of Human Social Science, 13(5), 67-75.

Okorie, C., Udoh, E., & Bassey, O. B. (2023). Mirroring the developmental challenges of oil- rich Nigeria within the context of resource curse/Dutch disease and paradox of plenty. TIJER–International Research Journal, 10(4), 818-834.

Olade, M. A. (2021). Mineral deposits and exploration potential of Nigeria. Prescott books. Olufemi, O., & Ogunmodede, O. D. (2021). Safeguarding the Food Basket from Oil

Spills/Pollution in Nigeria: Post-Oil City Perspective. Journal of Inclusive Cities and Built Environment, 1(1), 67-79.

Onuoha, F. C. (2008). Oil pipeline sabotage in Nigeria: Dimensions, actors and implications for national security. African Security Review, 17(3), 99-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2008.9627487

Oshikoya, T. W., & Durosinmi-Etti, K. (2019). Frontier capital markets and investment banking: principles and practice from Nigeria. Routledge.

Oziri, M. H., & Achinike, M. C. (2021). Reforms in the Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria from 1999–2021: A Critical Appraisal.

Romsom, E. (2022). Countering global oil theft: Responses and solutions. WIDER Working Paper.

Shimawua, D. (2020). Corruption and national security: The military campaign against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Research in Public Policy, Administration and Development Strategies (IJARPPADS), 4(1), 101-113.

Singh, D. (2022). The Causes of Police Corruption and Working towards Prevention in Conflict-Stricken States. Laws, 11(5), 69. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-471X/11/5/69

Umar, B., & Mohammed, Z. (2021). The effects of illicit financial flows on oil and gas revenue generation in Nigeria. Journal of Money Laundering Control, 24(1), 177-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMLC-07-2020-0081

Yahaya, N. S., Mohd‐Jali, M. R., & Raji, J. O. (2020). The role of financial development and corruption in environmental degradation of Sub-Saharan African countries. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 31(4), 895-913. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-09-2019-0190