Bowoto v. Chevron: How Chevron Pays, Houses, Transports, Schedules, and Directs the Nigerian Police and Military

Through its subsidiary Chevron Nigeria Limited, Chevron directs the notorious Nigerian military and police forces that commit gross human rights abuses on its behalf. Yet in its public face, Chevron pretends that it has no more involvement than an American would have if she simply called the police to report a crime. The evidence tells the true story:

It is apparent that [Chevron Nigeria] and [Nigerian forces] had a much closer relationship than the traditional relationship between private parties and law enforcement officials in this country. The [Nigerian forces] were on the [Chevron Nigeria] payroll and engaged in extensive security work for [Chevron Nigeria]. [Chevron Nigeria] did not simply dial 911.
— Federal Judge Susan Illston, August 14, 2007

Chevron Pays the Nigerian Police and Military
 

• Chevron Nigeria paid the Nigerian Police and Military who attacked the villagers on the Parabe platform on May 28, 1998
• Chevron Nigeria employees approve each individual payment to the police and military
• Chevron Nigeria pays the Nigerian forces for their services above and beyond their govern¬ment salaries

Chevron Nigeria Transported the Attackers to the Parabe Platform
 

• Chevron Nigeria decided when and how the Nigerian forces used Chevron-leased helicopters and boats used in the attacks

Chevron Nigeria Provided Food and Lodging to the Nigerian Forces

The Nigerian Forces Acted Under the Control of Chevron Nigeria
• Chevron Nigeria personnel often reported “leading” or “supervising” Nigerian forces in the course of their various operations, including the Parabe attacks
• Nigerian military advisors admonished Chevron Nigeria for the violence after Parabe
• Chevron Nigeria’s managing director told Human Rights Watch that Chevron Nigeria “exer¬cises reasonable control” over Nigerian forces used by Chevron Nigeria

Chevron Nigeria Controls Soldiers Used in Security Services
 

• Chevron Nigeria can and does demand training of Nigerian forces when it suits Chevron’s purposes
• Chevron Nigeria had the power to get rid of incompetent or problematic officers and it did so on several occasions, but not after the villagers were attacked at Parabe