Military intensifies efforts to combat oil theft, secure production

Recovers over 40,000 litres of illegal products
The Nigerian Air Force has ramped up its efforts to increase crude oil production through enhanced military operations in the South-South region, the military high command has disclosed.

In a joint press briefing by security chiefs, the military highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces to safeguard the nation’s oil production and address security challenges in the maritime domain.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, provided updates on various operations and initiatives around the nation’s blue economy environment.

Ogalla emphasised that the Navy’s commitment to enforcing maritime laws and protecting Nigeria’s oil assets are crucial to the country’s economic stability.

He noted that the Navy has implemented strategies, encompassing surveillance, response capability, and law enforcement to combat criminal activities in the maritime region.

The naval chief said that surveillance capabilities have been enhanced through technology-based systems, including drones and air assets, enabling 24-hour monitoring of Nigeria’s waters. He, however, pointed out that challenges remain, particularly in covering riverine areas.

Ogalla highlighted the importance of human intelligence, collaboration with local communities, and coordination with other security agencies.

The efforts have contributed to an increase in crude oil production, now ranging from 1.6 to 1.7 million barrels per day, to reach the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 2.2 million barrels per day.

HOWEVER, in a renewed effort to combat illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta region, troops of ‘Operation Delta Safe’ have destroyed several illegal refining sites, recovering over 40,000 liters of stolen and illegally refined products.

According to the Acting Deputy Director, of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah, troops of the Land Component (LC), Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South (SS), and Operation Delta Safe(OPDS), have effectively scaled up operations against these criminal elements in the region.

He said that in the operations that ensued, troops identified several illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa states where several discoveries were made.

In Rivers, troops identified and destroyed three illegal refining sites in Etche Local Council, confiscating and destroying over 30,000 liters of illegal products. Additional items, including receivers and connecting pipes, were also seized and destroyed.

In Bayelsa State, troops confiscated over 12,000 liters of stolen and illegally refined products, along with equipment, such as fibre boats, ovens, metal drums, and storage facilities.

He explained: “Bayelsa State, troops of Sector 2, while conducting routine operations in the creeks, waterways, and rivulets along Dasaba Creek in Nembe Council, confiscated over 1,2000 litres of stolen and illegally refined products.