DELE OGUNYEMI examines the military’s renewed crackdown on Niger Delta oil theft and illegal refineries to boost crude production to between 2.5 and 3 million barrels daily and strengthen the economy
In a renewed push against crude oil theft, the Nigerian military forces have intensified action to ensure a crackdown on all illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.
The Joint Task Force, Operations Delta Safe, reaffirming its full support for this drive, sought the cooperation of the Federal Government’s private pipeline security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, the Commander of OPDS, during a visit to Tantita’s operational headquarters in Igborikoko, Delta State, underscored the military’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.
Madugu’s visit about two weeks ago marked a significant step in the ongoing battle against crude oil thieves. The military leader emphasised that achieving the presidential mandate of raising crude oil production to between 2.5 million and 3 million barrels per day would be impossible without collaboration between security agencies and private stakeholders.
Accompanying Madugu was Navy Capt Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, Escravos, alongside other senior military officers. During discussions, Madugu assured Tantita of stronger cooperation while urging the firm to intensify community engagement, public sensitization, and corporate social responsibility efforts.
“We have a mandate, just like Tantita, to increase crude oil production. This target cannot be achieved without the cooperation of all stakeholders. I believe that before the end of 2025, we will meet or even surpass the 2.5 million bpd target,” he stated.
Tantita’s Managing Director, Chief Kestin Pondi, welcomed the JTF delegation and expressed appreciation for the security agencies’ role in the company’s operations. He highlighted the dangers faced by its personnel, many of whom have lost their lives in the fight against oil theft.
“We need stronger collaboration to sustain and expand our achievements. Without the support of security forces like the JTF, we would not have been able to make significant progress in tackling illegal crude oil activities,” Pondi said.
According to him, Tantita’s efforts have not only improved oil production but also helped restore the coastal ecosystem. He noted that the region had witnessed a drastic reduction in oil theft, with Delta State recording no incidents in the past four months. However, sporadic cases persisted in parts of Bayelsa and Rivers states.
“The environment is getting cleaner, aquatic life has returned, and children can now safely swim in the rivers again,” he added.
Rear Admiral Madugu’s visit followed a similar operational tour by the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi. The NSCDC boss praised Tantita’s efforts, stating that the company’s collaboration with security agencies had significantly improved Nigeria’s crude oil production.
“Tantita is not the only private security company involved in pipeline surveillance, but from what I have seen, it is doing an exceptional job. No security agency has a monopoly on strategy, and partnership is key in tackling oil theft,” Audi remarked.
He emphasised that the NSCDC would continue working with Tantita to safeguard national assets in the Niger Delta, stressing that a collective effort was required to curb crude oil theft and environmental degradation.
Crackdown on illegal refineries
As part of the broader offensive against oil theft, the Nigerian Navy has intensified operations to dismantle illegal refining sites. In a recent raid, personnel from FOB Escravos stormed the Oteghele community in Warri South West Local Government Area, uncovering and shutting down two illegal refining sites.
The operation, led by Navy Capt Okoloagu, resulted in the seizure of approximately 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.
“Our continued crackdown is in line with Operation Delta Sanity II and supports the government’s efforts to boost daily crude oil production,” Okoloagu stated.
Barely a week later, another raid in the Obodo Omadinho riverine community led to the discovery of three additional illegal refining sites. Security operatives seized 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of refined diesel. The Navy reiterated its commitment to denying economic saboteurs the freedom to operate, warning criminals to desist or face the full force of the law.
Security, community engagement
Beyond law enforcement, security stakeholders have increasingly adopted a non-kinetic approach to addressing oil-related crimes.
The Nigerian Navy reinforced military-civil relations through various community outreach programmes. In August 2023, NNS Delta personnel visited the Jakpa community in the Uvwie Local Government Area, offering free medical check-ups and educating residents on hypertension management.
The former commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, emphasised the Navy’s role in maintaining peace and responding to security concerns in coastal communities. “This outreach is part of our efforts to strengthen ties with the local population,” he explained.
Following Yahaya’s tenure, Commodore Abdulazeez Abdullahi assumed leadership of NNS Delta, vowing to sustain security operations in the region. “There will be zero tolerance for illegal activities in our areas of operation. Our mission is to ensure safety, protect economic assets, and foster peace,” he stated.
Tantita Security Services also carried out community-driven initiatives, inaugurating a refurbished and upgraded JAMB Computer-Based Test centre in the Ogulagha Kingdom. The project, aimed at improving access to education in the region, provided 250 brand-new HP laptops, Starlink internet services, and a solar inverter system for uninterrupted power supply. Originally built as an ICT hub by Shell in 2012, the facility has now been transformed into a fully accredited JAMB testing centre.
Local leaders, including Julius Pondi, who championed the centre’s accreditation, expressed gratitude to the company for its commitment to community development. “Before now, students had to travel to the hinterlands to write their exams. This facility removes that burden and provides them with access to quality education at their doorstep,” he said.
The Ogulagha community chairman, Mr Daniel Okebor, assured that local leaders would safeguard the facility. “We will do everything within our power to protect this investment,” he pledged.
Recent reports from the Niger Delta indicate a decline in illegal bunkering and crude oil theft, thanks to sustained military operations and increased private sector involvement. The combined efforts of the Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, Tantita Security Services, and other stakeholders have not only enhanced crude oil production but also mitigated environmental damage caused by illegal refineries.
A resident, Gabriel Benjamin, said with continued security interventions, strategic partnerships, and community-focused initiatives, Nigeria would meet its crude oil production targets.
“If these efforts are sustained, the country could experience a significant boost in revenue, improved environmental conditions, and greater stability in the Niger Delta region,” he said.
