By Sumaila Ogbaje
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, says the Division has recorded zero incidents of pipeline vandalism within its Area of Responsibility in 2025.
Emekah disclosed this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt during a media tour of the Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and the Land Component of Operation DELTA SAFE by Defence Correspondents.
He said the feat was achieved through sustained military operations, intelligence-led patrols, continuous community engagement and close collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
“Since I assumed command on Jan. 24, 2025, we have recorded zero cases of violent pipeline vandalism. No oil company operating within our Area of Responsibility has reported any breach of pipelines due to vandalism within this period,” he said.
The GOC explained that prior to 2025, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production averaged between 1.4 million and 1.5 million barrels per day, but noted that improved security had contributed to an increase to about 2.2 million barrels per day by December 2025.
According to him, the protection of critical national infrastructure in the maritime and oil and gas domain remained the Division’s primary responsibility.
He noted that the performance of the oil and gas sector was a key indicator of its operational success.
Emekah clarified that most oil leakages recorded in the region were linked to aging infrastructure rather than sabotage, stressing that such incidents were promptly reported to the relevant oil companies for corrective action.
On illegal refining, he said that operations were being intensified to dismantle illegal sites, disrupt support networks and address the environmental and security risks associated with the activity, while sustained follow-up actions were carried out to prevent re-establishment.
Emekah added that continuous engagement with host communities and mediation between them and International Oil Companies had helped address grievances and prevent disruptions to oil and gas operations.
Also speaking during the tour, the Director of Defence, Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, underscored the strategic role of the media in national security, describing journalists as “partners in progress” in the collective effort to safeguard the nation.
Onoja commended the GOC, officers and men of the 6 Division for the professionalism and seriousness with which the media tour was conducted.
The director noted that such engagements reflected the Armed Forces’ commitment to transparency and accountability.
He said information operations were a critical component of modern warfare, emphasising the need to counter adversarial narratives that could undermine military efforts.
“In line with Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to transparency and accountability.
“The confidence and trust of the civilian population are critical to operational success,” he said.
Onoja noted that actions at the tactical level, including the conduct of troops at checkpoints, could have operational and strategic implications, urging personnel to remain professional, disciplined and restrained at all times.
He also paid tribute to the sacrifices of troops and other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, who continued to operate under challenging conditions, often separated from their families.
Onoja emphasized that security was a collective responsibility and called on host communities and the media to contribute meaningfully to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He described the Niger Delta as a region of strategic importance to Nigeria’s national economy and stressed that peace, stability and security in the area were non-negotiable.
Onoja urged sustained cooperation between military personnel and journalists, pointing out that mutual understanding and accurate reportage were essential to achieving national security objectives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
