By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, has said sustained engagement with the media has become a critical tool in improving public understanding and transparency of the Navy’s anti–crude oil theft and maritime security operations in Bayelsa State.
Commodore Akinbami made the assertion on Wednesday during a media visit to the naval base in Bayelsa, led by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, under the ongoing Operation DELTA SAFE.
According to the commander, closer collaboration between NNS SOROH and journalists has transformed how naval operations are reported, ensuring accuracy, balance and proper context, while reducing misinformation and speculation.
“Today, journalists reach out to us for clarification before going to press. This has helped the public better understand our mandate, our rules of engagement, and the necessity of our actions,” Akinbami said.
He explained that the Navy now embeds media personnel during operations and documents its activities to provide verifiable records, promote accountability, and address allegations whenever they arise.
The commander noted that enhanced media engagement has also boosted public confidence, improved information flow, and discouraged collaboration between host communities and criminal elements involved in oil theft and other maritime crimes.
Akinbami further disclosed that the deployment of modern surveillance technology, including drones and advanced monitoring tools, has significantly improved operational efficiency by reducing response time, easing manpower pressure, and limiting the need for constant physical patrols across the difficult riverine terrain.
He added that strong inter-agency cooperation among security forces in Bayelsa has contributed to improved peace and stability in the state, despite challenges such as swampy environments and long travel hours to remote locations.
The NNS SOROH commander revealed that the dismantling of a major pipeline vandalism syndicate between June and July 2025 led to a drastic reduction in pipeline explosions in the area, although isolated attempts are still being actively addressed.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Onoja said the media tour was approved by the Chief of Defence Staff to enable journalists conduct oversight and report objectively on military operations in the Niger Delta.
He explained that Defence Headquarters initiated the engagement to bridge the communication gap between the military and the public, noting that many Nigerians are often unaware of the sacrifices, risks and challenges faced by troops on the frontlines.
Onoja commended the officers and men of NNS SOROH for their dedication in securing the waterways and curbing crude oil theft and illegal bunkering, adding that the visit allows Nigerians to witness these efforts firsthand.
