Nigerian Army Unveils Integrated Strategy to Combat Oil Theft in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army has rolled out a comprehensive approach to curb oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, placing strong emphasis on continuous patrols, intelligence-driven missions, and active community participation.

Speaking during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Eric Emekah, explained that the strategy is designed to outpace the changing methods of criminal networks operating in the region. 

The engagement formed part of the media tour of the Land Component of Operation DELTA SAFE.

According to the GOC, security forces are scaling up surveillance efforts, enhancing collaboration with other security agencies, and strengthening ties with host communities to ensure local ownership of security initiatives and sustainable protection of critical assets.

According to him, oil thieves often deploy sophisticated methods, including restricting waterways and laying long hoses from pipelines into remote creeks and communities, making detection difficult.

He said the Army had responded by increasing patrol frequency, revisiting cleared locations regularly and expanding intelligence networks to deny criminals freedom of action.

“We have learnt that destroying illegal sites alone is not enough.

“That is why we now go back repeatedly to those locations to ensure they are not re-established,” he said.

The GOC added that the Division had also focused on disrupting the support structures that sustained illegal refining, including markets, logistics and patronage.

“If there is no market, there will be no production. We have engaged communities, businesses and service providers to stop supporting illegal activities, and this has significantly reduced their operations,” he said.

Emekah stressed that community engagement remained central to the Division’s approach, noting that host communities were being encouraged to take ownership of critical national assets.

“When communities see these facilities as their own and understand the benefits of protecting them, it becomes easier to sustain peace and security,” he said.

He acknowledged manpower and equipment challenges but expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by the Federal Government would address the gaps, adding that improved logistics and personnel strength would further enhance operational effectiveness.

NAN