Nigerian authorities in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region, have unveiled six military-grade gunboats to strengthen efforts against oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta.
The initiative, announced on Friday, is part of a larger national campaign to curb illegal activities and boost Nigeria’s oil production.
The handover ceremony, held in southern Rivers State, featured vibrant performances by local singers and dancers, drawing hundreds of delegates. The gunboats will be deployed by the Nigerian Navy to patrol waterways and safeguard submerged oil pipelines, which are frequent targets for criminal activity.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, emphasised the significance of this logistical support to the Navy.
“We are providing logistical support to the Nigerian Navy, the closest agency capable of addressing threats off the land,” Fubara said. “This is a serious issue. When you see the technology used in these operations, it’s clear that these are highly professional and complex activities.”
Crude Oil Theft: A Persistent Challenge
Despite Nigeria’s longstanding war on crude oil theft, the issue continues to undermine the nation’s economy. Authorities estimate losses of $10 billion annually, equivalent to approximately 200,000 barrels of oil per day.
Corruption, inadequate security, and poor regulation have long hindered efforts to combat the problem effectively.
Fubara highlighted a multifaceted approach to tackling oil theft, which includes increased investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education for communities most affected by the issue.
“This isn’t a problem that can be solved solely through military action,” Fubara noted. “We need a comprehensive reorientation and meaningful engagement with the affected communities.”
Broader Security Measures
The deployment of gunboats aligns with broader security measures already underway. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) reported 94 incidents of crude oil theft between November 30 and December 6.
In addition, the Nigerian military recently concluded Operation Delta Safe, a 90-day programme targeting oil theft and aimed at increasing production. Rear Admiral John Okeke, the operation’s commander, described its success.
“We’ve managed to arrest over 300 vehicles, including trucks, tankers, cars, and tricycles transporting stolen crude oil and illegal products,” Okeke said. “We’ve also handled over 15 million litres of stolen crude oil and approximately four million litres of illegally refined automotive gasoline oil.”
Technological Solutions on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Nigerian authorities plan to adopt advanced technology, including drones and automated metering systems, to monitor oil pipelines more effectively from next year.
The latest initiatives underscore Nigeria’s determination to address the twin challenges of oil theft and piracy in the Niger Delta, securing both its waterways and critical oil infrastructure.
