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Abstract
Oil theft in Nigeria has been a daunting challenge to meeting the approved 1.71 million barrels production per day and has led to the loss of over ten billion US dollars in foreign earnings. This paper examined artificial intelligence technologies and the control of oil theft in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, Nigeria. Queer ladder theory was employed in explaining the complex dynamics around oil theft in the area. Mixed-methods research design was adopted. The target population was 22,234 and the sample size is 1,250 residents. This is in addition to five interviews that were conducted. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews (IDI) guide. Quantitative data were analysed using percentage, frequency, charts, and multi-nominal logistic regression, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. Findings revealed that there was a high level of awareness amongst residents on AI enabled technologies used in controlling oil theft in their communities. It also showed that AI-powered devices, such as drones, satellites, CCTV and community-based mechanisms were used in the control of oil theft in the area. It equally indicated that these technologies are potentially useful, but their application was inadequate, leaving respondents skeptical of their effectiveness. It again showed that there was no significant positive relationship between respondents’ occupational group and their awareness of AI enabled technological tools for detecting oil theft. It concluded that application of AI technologies is sacrosanct in curbing oil theft, especially when synergized and blended with indigenous knowledge. Recommendations were made in line with the findings.