OPDS Records Major Gains in Curbing Oil Theft in Niger Delta
The Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has achieved significant successes over the past year in degrading crude oil theft, illegal refining, and sea robbery across the Niger Delta region.
Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, Commander of OPDS, announced these accomplishments during a recent Defence Media Operations briefing and tour in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The presentation, delivered on his behalf by Assistant Commander A. Bako of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), highlighted intelligence-driven kinetic and non-kinetic operations that have bolstered the protection of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure, contributing to enhanced crude oil production and export stability.
Key operational results include the dismantling of 925 illegal refining sites, 1,228 storage facilities, and 297 large wooden boats used for theft. Authorities recovered or denied criminals access to approximately 6.8 million litres of stolen crude oil, 2.29 million litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), and substantial quantities of petrol (PMS) and kerosene (DPK).
Additionally, 136 tanker trucks loaded with stolen products were intercepted, and 1,565 suspects involved in oil theft, illegal refining, kidnapping, and related crimes were arrested and transferred to prosecuting agencies.
These sustained efforts resulted in an impressive average terminal factor of about 95 per cent on critical pipelines—including Trans Niger, Trans Ramos, and Trans Escravos—particularly in the final quarter of 2025.
In maritime domains, OPDS conducted over 3,240 land and sea patrols, leading to the clearance and destruction of 14 militant and sea robber camps. The aggressive stance has achieved zero piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea and the lowest recorded sea robbery levels in Nigerian waters during the period.
OPDS also recovered 99 illicit weapons through targeted intelligence-led raids.
Beyond enforcement, the task force prioritized non-kinetic initiatives, successfully mediating 282 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) disputes between oil companies (including Chevron, Aiteo, and Oando) and host communities. These resolutions helped avert production disruptions and promoted a more stable operating environment.
Community engagement efforts extended to medical outreaches, educational support, and development programmes, while collaboration with pipeline surveillance contractors and regulatory bodies remained strong.
Rear Admiral Oladipo praised the media for its vital role in public awareness and accurate reporting, calling it a key enabler in the fight against oil theft and vandalism. He reaffirmed OPDS’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal networks to safeguard national economic assets and sustain peace in the Niger Delta.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, emphasized the importance of strategic communication in modern security operations, noting renewed focus from the Chief of Defence Staff on building public trust and fostering cooperation. He described the media as a strategic partner and essential bridge between the military and citizens, underscoring that transparent, two-way information flow enhances accountability, national cohesion, and operational success.
These developments underscore the critical role of multi-agency collaboration and community involvement in securing Nigeria’s energy sector, Africa’s leading oil-producing region. OPDS’s progress supports broader efforts to stabilize production and protect vital economic infrastructure.
