The circumstances surrounding the attack on the 17 military men is complex and multifaceted. While initial reports suggested that it was the result of a land dispute, the Nigerian Army has since provided a different perspective. According to the Army, illegal oil theft has been a major issue in the region, and it is believed that the culprits behind the recent incident are those who have benefited from this illicit activity. Furthermore, the General had recently taken steps to crack down on illegal oil theft, and the Army believes that the recent attack may have been an attempt to retaliate against the General’s efforts to curb illegal oil theft.