Nigeria has ramped up efforts to tackle the long-standing issue of crude oil theft, making substantial progress in key oil producing regions. The government credits Operation Delta Safe, a robust security initiative aimed at curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta, with shutting down numerous illicit refineries and recovering millions of litres of stolen crude. These efforts have resulted in a 16.7% increase in oil production over the past year.
The success of the operation is being attributed to a multi pronged approach, combining air and land forces with sophisticated technology. Commanders on the ground, such as Delta Safe land and air leaders Jamal Abdussalam and Ali Idris, highlighted their achievements during a recent briefing. Abdussalam described the impact of the increased military presence: “Once they see soldiers, they flee to the hills. Our troops are relentless; when we see them, we arrest them, seize their equipment, and destroy their illegal operations.”
Idris also pointed to a growing partnership with international oil companies (IOCs), which has significantly bolstered the government’s ability to track and dismantle illegal pipeline connections. “We are closely collaborating with the IOCs, and they have provided valuable information on where the thieves are tapping into pipelines. This cooperation has been very successful, and the results are now visible,” he noted.
The combined efforts of Nigerian security forces and their IOC partners have led to more efficient monitoring and protection of the oil-rich Niger Delta. New helicopters and advanced surveillance aircraft have enhanced the capacity to conduct thorough patrols and respond rapidly to threats, marking a significant leap forward in securing the region’s resources.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stressed the importance of technology in the fight against oil theft. “We are leveraging technology in new ways,” he explained, outlining how maritime surveillance systems, drones, and helicopters have become essential tools in tracking and dismantling illegal refineries. “Our goal is clear: all illegal refineries must be eliminated,” Musa affirmed.
The stakes are high. Oil theft has long drained Nigeria’s economy, costing the country millions of dollars daily. According to estimates presented to the Senate, Nigeria lost approximately $23 million per day to oil theft in 2022. In March 2022 alone, the country faced losses totalling $1.43 billion. Operation Delta Safe is determined to reverse this trend, with the ambitious target of boosting production to 1.7 million barrels per day by the end of the year.
Emeka Onumajuru, Delta Safe’s Defence Training and Operations Chief, acknowledged that while significant strides have been made, challenges remain. “Most of the pipelines are now secure, and oil is no longer being siphoned at the levels we saw before,” he said, projecting continued improvement in securing Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
However, Onumajuru pointed out that the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta and the complexities of engaging local communities present ongoing obstacles. “The Niger Delta is an extremely challenging area to operate in swampy, heavily forested, and difficult to navigate.
Additionally, community relations are crucial. High levels of engagement between local communities, government officials, and the oil companies are needed to reduce conflicts and maintain security,” he explained.
General Musa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering positive relations with the local communities in the Niger Delta. “We are working closely with community leaders to ensure that they receive their fair share of the benefits from oil production,” Musa stated. “When communities feel that their interests are being looked after, there is less tension, and the security situation improves.”
While the crackdown on oil theft is being hailed as a significant achievement, experts caution that lasting success will depend on sustained cooperation between the military, government, oil companies, and local stakeholders. Effective governance and strong community relations will be essential to maintaining the gains made so far and ensuring that Nigeria can continue to increase its oil output without the threat of theft undermining these efforts.
As Nigeria moves forward, government at all levels remain committed to using technology, strengthening partnerships, and engaging with local communities to protect its valuable oil resources. While there is still work to be done, the increased production levels and reduced theft offer a promising outlook for the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.
