Military Intensifies Battle Against Illegal Refining As Security Is Reinforced Around Strategic Oil Wellheads
By Anthonia N Okwuolise, Abuja
Illegal oil bunkering and refining activities remain a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy, draining national revenue and slowing efforts to grow crude oil production. Despite these challenges, the Nigerian military says it is stepping up operations across the Niger Delta to protect critical oil assets and move the country closer to its production target of three million barrels per day.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, reaffirmed this commitment during an inspection visit to a strategic oil wellhead at Adibawa, located within Biseni Community in Ahoada Local Government Area. The area sits along the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa States and has in the past been vulnerable to illegal oil activities.
Major General Onoja explained that the continued absence of illegal bunkering around the wellhead shows that sustained military pressure is producing positive results. According to him, protecting key oil facilities is essential not only for increasing production but also for ensuring economic stability and national growth.
He noted that Nigeria’s crude oil output has risen to about 2.2 million barrels per day, a significant improvement that he attributed largely to ongoing military operations against oil theft and illegal refining. He said that as more strategic facilities are secured, the country moves closer to achieving its national production target.
The Defence Media Operations Director stressed that the safety of oil installations is critical to attracting investors, improving revenue and protecting assets that are vital to the nation’s future. He warned that illegal bunkering directly undermines development by destroying infrastructure, damaging the environment and depriving the country of much needed income.
Major General Onoja also appealed to host communities and individuals still involved in illegal oil activities to turn away from the practice. He said the Armed Forces remain fully committed to securing oil facilities across the country but emphasized that lasting success can only be achieved with the cooperation and support of local communities.
In a related briefing, the Acting Garrison Commander in the area, Major Hassan Mohammed, revealed that the military is further strengthening its operations, particularly within the waterways. He explained that both land and water operations are being expanded to ensure criminals have no safe haven.
Major Mohammed disclosed that plans are underway for permanent military deployment in the area. This includes the use of gunboats, ground troops and other operational assets to effectively counter oil bunkering, especially during the rainy season when many areas become flooded and difficult to access.
He added that advanced surveillance technology is already in use, including sophisticated drones that monitor forested areas and waterways. These drones help identify illegal refining camps and provide real time intelligence to support coordinated land and water operations.
According to him, the goal is not just to disrupt illegal activities temporarily but to dismantle criminal networks permanently and restore safety to the region.
The military leadership maintains that with sustained operations, improved technology and community cooperation, illegal oil bunkering can be significantly reduced, allowing Nigeria to fully benefit from its natural resources and strengthen its economy.
