Army Records Zero Pipeline Vandalism Across Niger Delta In 2025 — 6 Division GOC
The Nigerian Army has announced that no incident of pipeline vandalism was recorded across the Niger Delta in 2025, marking a major security milestone in the oil-producing region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. 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, attended by defence correspondents.
Emekah attributed the achievement to sustained military operations, intelligence-led patrols, continuous community engagement, and close collaboration with sister security agencies and critical stakeholders.
“Since I assumed command on January 24, 2025, we have recorded zero cases of violent pipeline vandalism. No oil company operating within our Area of Responsibility has reported any pipeline breach due to vandalism within this period,” the GOC stated.
Boost To Crude Oil Production
He noted that prior to 2025, Nigeria’s crude oil output averaged between 1.4 and 1.5 million barrels per day, but improved security across the Niger Delta had contributed to a rise to approximately 2.2 million barrels per day by December 2025.
According to Emekah, the protection of critical national infrastructure, particularly in the maritime, oil and gas domain, remains the Division’s core mandate, adding that the performance of the oil and gas sector is a key measure of its operational success.
The GOC clarified that most oil spill incidents recorded in the region were linked to ageing infrastructure rather than sabotage, stressing that such cases were promptly reported to oil companies for remedial action.
Crackdown On Illegal Refining
On illegal refining activities, Emekah said the Army had intensified operations to dismantle illegal refining sites, disrupt supply networks, and mitigate the environmental and security risks posed by the practice.
He added that sustained follow-up actions were in place to prevent the re-emergence of illegal operations, while continuous engagement with host communities had helped address grievances and prevent disruptions to oil and gas activities.
Media, Military Partnership Emphasised
Also speaking, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, described journalists as “partners in progress” in national security efforts, underscoring the importance of accurate and responsible reportage.
Onoja commended the leadership and personnel of the 6 Division for the professionalism displayed during the media tour, noting that such engagements reflected the Armed Forces’ commitment to transparency and accountability.
“In line with Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to transparency. Public confidence and trust are critical to operational success,” he said.
He further stressed that information operations are a vital component of modern warfare, warning that misleading narratives could undermine security gains.
Onoja urged military personnel to remain disciplined and professional at all times, noting that actions at the tactical level could have broader strategic implications. He also paid tribute to troops and other security agencies operating under challenging conditions.
Describing the Niger Delta as strategically vital to Nigeria’s economy, Onoja stressed that peace and security in the region were non-negotiable and called for sustained cooperation among the military, host communities and the media.