By Victor Akaa
The Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) military operation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region has recorded significant successes in its fight against crude oil theft, destroying 578 illegal refineries and arresting 681 oil thieves between January and May 2025.
Rear Admiral John Okeke Magudu, Commander OPDS disclosed this whilst briefing the Defence Headquarters Team led by Commander Godwin Egbunu visited the Headquarters Joint Task Force South South OPDS in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on its 2025 first quarter Defence Media Operations.
He said, the military campaign’s intensification has had a notable impact, contributing significantly to a recent surge in Nigeria’s daily crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, as per the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) latest data.
He expressed optimism that with the sustained efforts, the daily oil production would soon reach the milestone of 2000 barrels per day, further consolidating the gains they had made so far.
He stated that the troops also destroyed 13 militants’ and sea pirates’ operational bases and recovered 653 illegal weapons within the period.
Represented by the Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Patrick Meteke, the Commander explained that some of the arrested suspects have already been convicted, while others are still undergoing trials in various courts of law.
The OPDS Commander noted that the fight against crude oil theft is challenging due to the swampy, waterlogged terrain crisscrossed by numerous rivers and creeks, which the criminals exploit to carry out their illicit activities.
“We consistently conduct operations at flashpoints, maintaining threat levels at a minimum in most cases,” the Commander said.
He also listed the prevalent crimes in the region, including crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering/refining, smuggling, sea robbery, militancy, kidnapping, cultism, and communal-related issues.
According to the Commander, the OPDS has adopted a non-kinetic strategy, conducting community outreach programmes such as free medical outreaches, borehole projects, and school renovations, to win the hearts and minds of the host communities. “These humanitarian projects are not just gestures of goodwill; they are part of our broader strategy to build trust with communities,” He explained.
He emphasised that security must be holistic, stating, “The more stable and empowered these communities are, the less likely they are to harbour or support criminal elements.
Development and security must go hand in hand.”
Rear Admiral Okeke said the approach has led to credible intelligence on criminal hideouts and planned sabotage attacks, enabling the dismantling of several illegal refining sites and the arrest of high-profile oil thieves.
He warned the unscrupulous elements to stay clear from criminal activities within the OPDS’ Area of Responsibility.
