By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has dislodged oil thieves from the Adibawa oil well area and concluded plans to permanently deploy personnel to prevent resurgence of illegal refining and crude oil theft.

The Acting Garrison Commander, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army, Maj. Hassan Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday during a media tour of the area.

The tour was organised by the Defence Media Operations in collaboration with Operation DELTA SAFE.

Mohammed explained that the location once a notorious hub for illegal refining had been successfully dominated through sustained patrols and anti-bunkering operations, forcing criminals to abandon the area.

”Behind us is an illegal refining camp that was previously active. Through constant patrols and sustained operations, we have been able to dominate this area, and there is no longer any criminal activity here,” he said.

The army officer described the terrain as swampy and challenging but noted that troops had continued to operate effectively in spite of the difficult environment.

He said that the planned deployment would cover both land and waterways, noting that while the area was accessible during the dry season, it becomes completely flooded during the rains.

According to him, the Army is working closely with Reconizer Oil Company to establish a static deployment at the oil wellhead, including accommodation for troops, to ensure permanent dominance of the area.

“Our objective is to project forces deep into the forest. As we push these criminals, they retreat further into the bush, and we are equally determined to pursue them relentlessly.

“To address this, we plan to deploy gunboats and a houseboat on the waterways, while troops remain on land. This will allow us to dominate the area year-round and deny criminals access to the pipeline.”

Mohammed disclosed that the flow line from the oil well runs to Bille along the Rivers–Bayelsa boundary, making it vulnerable to illegal tapping if left unsecured.

He also confirmed the deployment of surveillance technology, including drones, to monitor forested areas and identify illegal refining camps.

“We already deploy drones during patrols and operations. The planned static deployment will further enhance our operational effectiveness,” he said.

He added that there was strong synergy with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies.

On community relations, the commander said host communities were generally cooperative, though cautious due to the risk of retaliation by criminals, assuring that informants’ identities were always protected.

He further said that troops conducted medical outreach and other civic activities as part of civil-military cooperation efforts.

Also speaking, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the absence of illegal bunkering at the site reflected the impact of sustained military operations to protect critical national assets.

According to him, the oil wellhead is very strategic to Nigeria’s oil production, adding that securing facilities like this contributes directly to boosting national output.

He disclosed that Nigeria’s oil production had risen to about 2.2 million barrels per day, moving closer to the Federal Government’s target of three million barrels per day.

Onoja called on host communities and individuals involved in illegal bunkering to desist, stressing that oil theft undermined Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

He assured that the Armed Forces would continue to secure oil facilities nationwide but emphasised the need for sustained civilian cooperation to consolidate the gains.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Adibawa oil well head located in the creek on the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa is said to be one of the biggest in the region.

The visit to the location in Edagberi community of Rivers provided journalists with first-hand information on the activities of oil thieves and the efforts of the military in security the oil infrastructure. (NAN)