Army Chief Orders Tightened Oil Security in Niger Delta Amid Oil Theft, Political Tensions

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Col. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of the Nigerian Army to intensify security around critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta, citing renewed threats from oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and rising political tensions in Rivers State.

Shaibu gave the charge on Friday while addressing officers and men of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt during his maiden operational visit to the division.

He said the directive had become necessary following persistent economic sabotage in the oil-producing region, as well as renewed hostilities arising from the political crisis between former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The crisis has escalated with lawmakers loyal to Wike initiating impeachment moves against Governor Fubara, heightening concerns over security and stability in the state.

According to the Army chief, safeguarding critical national assets remains a core responsibility of the military, noting that any disruption to oil production would have grave consequences for the nation’s economy.

“Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country,” Shaibu said.
“You must be disciplined, committed and dedicated to the mandate of this division. While you do so, be assured that your welfare remains one of my topmost priorities.”

He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel, disclosing that some challenges raised by commanders of the division had already been addressed.

“On accommodation, we have approved the construction of additional facilities, renovation of existing quarters, and the completion of some ongoing projects. Once these are done, they will significantly reduce the accommodation challenges here,” he said.

Shaibu also assured troops that issues relating to the quality of education for their children were being looked into, urging them in return to remain professional and obedient to their commanders.

“I go round divisions to interact with officers and men and assess their combat readiness. I am here in the 6 Division area of responsibility to see what the troops are doing, understand their challenges, and address them so they can carry out their duties effectively,” he added.

The Army chief said while some of the challenges raised had been resolved on the spot, others would be addressed immediately upon his return to Abuja.

He urged the troops to remain focused, stressing that effective protection of oil installations and other critical infrastructure was essential to sustaining national revenue and economic growth.

Nigeria’s crude oil output has improved significantly in recent years following a presidential directive to security agencies to clamp down on oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission show that the country’s oil production averaged between 1.7 million and 1.8 million barrels per day in 2025, marking a steady recovery from previous lows attributed to insecurity and vandalism in the region.