Army adopts multi-pronged strategy to tackle oil theft, boost community ownership – GOC

The Nigerian Army has adopted a multi-pronged strategy anchored on sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations and community ownership to tackle oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Eric Emekah, disclosed this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, during a media interaction, as part of the media tour of the Land Component of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Emekah said security forces were adapting to the evolving tactics of criminal elements by strengthening surveillance, improving coordination with sister agencies and deepening engagement with host communities.

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.

The GOC reiterated that the Nigerian Army remained a professional institution, stressing that discipline and accountability were strictly enforced, while erring personnel were sanctioned in line with military regulations.

Emekah said the combined impact of improved security, community cooperation and inter-agency collaboration had contributed to zero incidents of pipeline vandalism in the Division’s Area of Responsibility over the last one year.

He added that the measures had also supported increased crude oil output, contributing to national economic recovery and aligning with the Federal Government’s target of achieving three million barrels per day by 2027.

The GOC assured that 6 Division would continue to refine its strategies, strengthen partnerships and remain proactive in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

He also reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian army to continue to protect democracy and ensure peace in Rivers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a group of Defence Correspondents led by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, are touring the division and Operation Delta Safe in Rivers and Bayelsa State.

The tour will provide the journalists with more insight into the operations of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s economic assets in the Niger Delta.