Niger Delta: Nigerian Armed Forces Step Up Security To Curb Oil Theft

The Nigerian Armed Forces have stepped up security operations at the Adibawa oil well area in the Niger Delta, with plans underway to establish a permanent military presence to prevent crude oil theft and illegal refining.

During an inspection of the area with defence correspondents, the Acting Garrison Commander, Major Hassan Mubarak Mohammed, said sustained anti-bunkering operations have successfully cleared the location of criminal activities that once thrived around the oil facility.

According to him, the difficult swampy terrain had previously enabled oil thieves to operate undetected. However, persistent patrols and coordinated operations have allowed troops to dominate the area and deny criminals access to the oil well.

Major Mohammed revealed that the military is collaborating with Reconizer Oil Company to deploy troops permanently at the site. He explained that accommodation for personnel is already being arranged to support continuous operations, which will allow forces to project deeper into surrounding forests where oil bunkers often retreat after raids.

He noted that the oil well, described as one of the most productive in the area, had been exposed to illegal activities due to its remote location along the Rivers–Bayelsa boundary. Criminal elements, he said, frequently tap the pipeline at several points along its route to Bille, making a sustained security presence critical.

To address seasonal challenges, the Acting Garrison Commander said the military plans to deploy gunboats and a houseboat on the waterways during the rainy season, while maintaining troops on land to ensure uninterrupted operations throughout the year.

He added that modern surveillance technology, including drones, is already being used to monitor the forest and detect illegal refining camps, a capability that will be enhanced once the static deployment is in place.

He also confirmed strong operational synergy with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force.

On community relations, Major Mohammed said local residents have shown cooperation, although they remain cautious due to the risk of reprisals from criminal groups.

He assured that the military prioritizes the protection of informants and supports host communities through civic activities such as medical outreach programmes.

Also speaking at the site, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, said the absence of illegal bunkering at the location demonstrated the impact of sustained military efforts under Operation DELTA SAFE.

He explained that securing critical oil infrastructure is essential to national economic recovery and increased oil output. According to him, Nigeria’s crude oil production has risen to approximately 2.2 million barrels per day, moving the country closer to the Federal Government’s production target.

Major-General Onoja called on host communities and other stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts, stressing that public cooperation is vital to sustaining gains against oil theft and sabotage.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji