By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, has appealed to Niger Delta communities to support ongoing military operations aimed at curbing crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining, warning that national oil production cannot be protected without local cooperation.
Speaking during a media tour of OPDS operations on Tuesday, Oladipo said security forces were working round the clock under intense pressure to safeguard Nigeria’s oil assets, but stressed that community intelligence and trust remained critical to success.
“This crude oil belongs to all Nigerians. Intelligence is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something,”he said.
Oladipo noted that while some host communities have partnered with security agencies, others continue to undermine operations by leaking information to criminals and allowing suspects to escape before troops arrive.
Such actions, he warned, prolong insecurity and economic losses in the region.
The commander revealed that illegal refiners have adopted more sophisticated methods, including the use of chemicals to adulterate crude oil, producing substandard fuel that damages vehicles, generators and the environment.
He said OPDS is now tracking chemical supply chains to counter the emerging threat.
To address rising tensions between oil companies and host communities, Oladipo said OPDS had established a Situation Room and Mediation Centre, which recorded increased engagements in recent months. According to him, dialogue and mediation have helped prevent shutdowns and restore production in flashpoint areas.
He assured residents that the military was neutral in its operations. “I work for the Federal Government of Nigeria — not for any oil company and not for any community,” he said, adding that the objective was to protect national assets and create a stable environment for development.
Also speaking, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, described community cooperation and responsible information sharing as vital to national security, urging citizens to see the armed forces as partners in progress.
