The Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has announced major progress in its efforts to combat crude oil theft, piracy, and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. Over the past five months, the task force dismantled more than 570 illegal refining sites and arrested 681 suspects.
Rear Admiral N.M. Medugu, OPDS Commander, represented by Commodore Patrick Meteke, disclosed this during a press briefing in Yenagoa. He said the task force also dismantled 918 illegal storage facilities, seized 194 large wooden boats, and intercepted 71 tankers and vehicles used to transport stolen petroleum products.
In the same period, security forces prevented the theft of approximately 3.58 million litres of crude oil, 1.56 million litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 55,635 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 91,760 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Additionally, 653 illicit weapons were recovered from criminal groups.
The task force resolved over 102 disputes between host communities and International Oil Companies (IOCs), helping to avert production disruptions. Commodore Meteke stated that these non-combat interventions have been essential in maintaining stability in the region.
Meteke noted that OPDS recorded an 89% success rate in fighting oil theft in the first quarter of 2025, resulting in an increase in Nigeria’s crude oil output from 1.2 million barrels per day in June 2024 to 1.85 million barrels per day in May 2025. Improved security along key pipelines—such as the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), Trans Ramos Pipeline (TRP), and Trans Escravos Pipeline (TEP)—was cited as a major factor.
Thirteen camps used by militants, sea robbers, and pirates were also destroyed during clearance operations. Meteke emphasized the importance of trust-building strategies, which he said had helped minimize human rights abuses. He also spoke about community outreach initiatives, including medical outreach programs, scholarships for indigent students, and canal clearance projects to reduce flooding.
A notable example is the annual outreach in Igbogene, Bayelsa State, where OPDS distributes palliatives to the host community. Similar programs are ongoing in other regions.
Meteke highlighted the valuable role of Private Security Companies (PSCs) in enhancing intelligence and resolving local conflicts. He also praised media organizations for their role in informing the public about OPDS operations, such as the interception of a wooden boat carrying 90,000 litres of crude oil at the Abereke Naval Outpost in Ondo State on May 15, 2025.
He called on the media to continue campaigns against oil theft and other threats to the oil and gas sector, stressing their role in public education on the economic and environmental consequences of such crimes.
While acknowledging the support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Meteke appealed for additional resources. He requested more maritime and aerial surveillance assets, vehicles for night operations, gunboats, and tactical drones to strengthen OPDS’s capacity.
Operation Delta Safe’s jurisdiction includes Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and parts of Ondo, Edo, Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Cross River states—regions critical to Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
