The Nigerian Army has announced that no incidents of pipeline vandalism were recorded across the Niger Delta region in 2025, attributing the achievement to sustained security operations and strong collaboration with host communities.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, disclosed this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt during a media tour of the Division’s headquarters and the Land Component of Operation DELTA SAFE.
According to Emekah, since assuming command on January 24, 2025, the Division has not received any report of violent pipeline vandalism within its Area of Responsibility.
“From the time I took over command, there has been no recorded case of violent pipeline vandalism. Oil companies operating within our jurisdiction have not reported any breach linked to sabotage,” he said.
The GOC explained that consistent military presence, intelligence-driven patrols, community engagement and inter-agency cooperation were central to the success.
He noted that improved security had positively impacted crude oil production, which rose from an average of about 1.4 to 1.5 million barrels per day before 2025 to approximately 2.2 million barrels per day by December 2025.
“The performance of the oil and gas sector remains a major indicator of our operational effectiveness, as protecting critical national assets in the maritime and energy domains is a core mandate of the Division,” Emekah stated.
He clarified that most oil spills recorded in the region were caused by ageing infrastructure rather than acts of sabotage, adding that such incidents were promptly reported to oil companies for repairs.
On the issue of illegal refining, Emekah said the Army had intensified operations to dismantle illegal refining camps, disrupt supply chains and prevent the re-emergence of such activities due to their environmental and security risks.
He also highlighted the role of dialogue with host communities, noting that mediation efforts between communities and oil companies had helped reduce grievances and prevent disruptions to oil and gas operations.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, described the media as critical partners in national security and commended defence correspondents for their role in responsible reporting.
“Journalists are partners in progress. Information management is a key element of modern warfare, and inaccurate narratives can undermine military operations,” Onoja said.
He stressed the Armed Forces’ commitment to transparency and accountability, in line with constitutional provisions, and urged troops to maintain professionalism in their interactions with civilians.
“Public trust is essential to operational success.
Actions taken at the tactical level can have far-reaching strategic consequences,” he added.
Onoja paid tribute to security personnel operating under difficult conditions and called on the media and host communities to support efforts to sustain peace in the Niger Delta, describing the region as vital to Nigeria’s economic stability.
