By Magnus Chukwudi, Port Harcourt

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in close synergy wit c seeh other security agencies, have continued to dominate the operational landscape, effectively denying criminal elements freedom of action across the Niger Delta Region (NDR).

According to press statement signed by the Army Public Relations Officer APRO and made available to newsmen, in several operations conducted, 19 suspected oil thieves were apprehended, with 22 illegal refining hubs destroyed, and over 180,000 litres of stolen products, worth over One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦150,000,000.00), recovered.

The operations were conducted between 23 November and 28 December 2025, targeting oil theft, pipeline vandalism and associated crimes in the NDR.

In the operations that ensued in Bayelsa State, at Siebu Creek within Ogbienbiri in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA), an illegal refining site was deactivated with a massive reservoir filled with over 75,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as a pumping machine recovered.

Relatedly, around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, troops conducted multiple operations, which led to the deactivation of several illegal refining sites, with a cumulative recovery of over 17,000 litres of stolen products. At Okarki waterside in Ogbia LGA, troops intercepted a big Cotonou boat concealed at the riverbank, loaded with 37 sacks filled with 2,775 litres of stolen crude.

In Rivers State, at Ogale Community in Eleme LGA, troops discovered 350 sacks filled with over 10,500 litres of stolen crude. Around Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, troops destroyed two illegal refining sites, with sacks and a reservoir filled with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.

A similar operation was conducted at Orashi Forest in Abua/Odual LGA, where troops traced a long hose which spanned over 9 kilometres, leading to four illegal refining sites, comprising four large ovens with a capacity of 30,000 litres each, receivers and dugout pits stocked with over 7,000 litres of crude oil.

In addition, a pumping machine with five large reservoirs were destroyed.

At Okolomade, also in Abua/Odual LGA, 31 sacks filled with 2,325 litres of stolen crude, concealed in the bush along the Okomade–Otuasega Road were confiscated.

Troops also received credible information on a daring attempt by suspected oil thieves to compromise a pipeline around Gbonga Forest in Bonny Island LGA.

Troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and made huge recoveries, including a rubber hose, one shovel, one manifold valve head, four bags of waterproof nylon, one 9.9 HP Yamaha engine and four units of 25-litre jerricans.

Seizures were also made around Okrika LGA, Omerelu in Ikwerre LGA, as well as OML 18 Alakiri, with a cumulative recovery of over 6,000 litres of condensates.

Relatedly, in Delta State, troops swooped on a truck with Registration Number SAG 292 XB along the Asaba–Benin Expressway in Agbor. The vehicle was intercepted while discharging 45,000 litres of diverted products into a Premium Motor Spirit pit.

Troops also acted on credible information on illegal bunkering activities behind Deeper Life Camp in Sapele LGA, mobilised to the area, and arrested two suspected oil thieves.

In the operations
conducted, a total of 104 sacks filled with over 2,600 litres of stolen crude were recovered.
While on routine patrol around Otorogu Gas Plant in Ughelli South LGA, troops intercepted two vehicles with Registration Number Delta PTN 140 AA and a Toyota Hiace mini shuttle bus with Registration Number Anambra AWK 302 ZD, conveying illegally refined condensates.

The stolen products were concealed in sacks and jerricans and were estimated to be 1,475 litres. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.

Furthermore, in Akwa Ibom State, troops have maintained visible operational footprints. These resulted in the discovery of a stockpile of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) at a warehouse in Ikot Ntuen Village, Abak LGA.

The operations led to the recovery of 20 units of jerricans filled with stolen AGO.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, while commending troops for the successes recorded, charged them to sustain the tempo against economic saboteurs.

The GOC also called on the good people of the region to continue to support the ongoing crackdown on criminal networks, whose stock-in-trade is the compromise of critical national infrastructure in the NDR. ###.

David Owei, Yenagoa.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, has promised to take up the responsibility of advocating for more development from the government and international oil companies operating in the in the host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

PINL, the private security company (PSC) incharge of securing pipelines along the Eastern Corridor of the TNP said siting development projects in host communities would help reduce the temptations of vandalism and oil theft by the community people.

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, PINL, who made the disclosure at its monthly stakeholders meeting with TNP host communities in Bayelsa State, said the decision followed several requests by the communities which are beyond their scope.

Dr Mezeh noted that several request by the communities such as provision roads, schools, healthcare and other social amenities are beyond their capacity hence the decision to take up the advocacy for them.

He also said the company’s monthly stakeholders meeting has become the closest interface between the communities, government and IOCs.

“We have become one of the closest interfaces with the communities and those communities may not even understand that we don’t have the capacity to provide most of those things they are asking for, but for the fact that we have been able to create that platform to air their greviance. We have complaints of lack of basic amenities, so in 2026, we’ll advocate for more government attention in our communities, ” he stated.

He noted that the meeting affords the company the opportunity to review their progress in the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the region, and also celebrate, fellowship, and appreciate critical stakeholders, especially leaders of host communities for their support and commitment which he said have sustained the economic stability of the country.

The PINL official gave a highlight of the company’s achievements in the outgoing year to include deepening of security operations to include all oil and gas infrastructures in proximity to TNP, expanded community and stakeholders’ inclusion, human capacity empowerment with focus on women and students and strengthened grassroots communication with introduction the Town Crier Initiative (TCI).

He also mentioned sustained consistent stakeholder engagements, zero illegal bunkering and building of greater trust between PINL and host communities, among other successes.

Dr. Mezeh called for increased collaboration from the host communities even as they look ahead to 2026 for greater impacts.

“Let us continue to protect national assets, empower our people, and strengthen the prosperity of our region and nation. As we step into 2026, may our collaboration deepen, our unity strengthened, and our shared commitment to peace and progress remain unshakable,” he appealed.

The PINL official also used the medium to announce Christmas palliatives for the 215 TNP host communities.

In his remarks, Chairman of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone, Chief Moses Theophilus commended the company for its impactful services in the region on the outgoing year, noting that PINL’s services have greatly reduced vandalism, oil theft and environmental pollution in the area.

He pledged the partnership of INC in the sustained fight against illegal bunkering and sabotage in the region.

“Pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft has been a menace in our region before now causing immense environmental degradation and environmental loses and social unrest.

“I commend PINL for this efforts in reducing environmental pollution, protecting aquatic lives and promoting floral and foena growth in our region. This efforts are testaments to the company’s determination to corporate governance and citizenship wellbeing of our country, ” Theophilus said.

He reiterated the commitment of INC Central Zone to work with PINL and stakeholders to end pipeline vandalism, saying, “We’ll continue in that manner to ensure that there is zero infractions in this Eastern Corridor. We will collaborate to ensure that in 2026 there will be zero infractions in all zones”.

Another stakeholder, Dr Omoninibeke Kemelayefa, praised PINL’s corporate social responsibility packages especially for women and the scholarship for youths, saying it will greatly impact the living standards of the locals.

Earlier, representative of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Engr Akponime Omojevwhe noted that the partnership between the communities and PINL has led to unhindered production on the TNP.

Omojevwhe, who is the head, Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office, NNPCL, revealed the company’s projection for 2026 is 2.06-million barrels per day with a budgeted benchmark of 1.84mbpd.

“Our projection for 2026 is 2.06mbpd while the budget is
1.84m bpd and with the kind of synergy we are seeing here in Bayelsa and other PINL coordinated areas, we can do it. If everybody comes together, it’s achieveable and it’s realistic.

“We want to also appreciate the royal fathers, the youth presidents, the women leaders, the CDCs for the efforts,” he added.

Highpoint of the meeting was the presentation of awards to traditional rulers of the host communities for their efforts in maintaining peace in their domains.
[13/12, 16:29] Amos(NNS Bayelsa): Oil pipeline explosion:

Niger Delta Group attribute NNPCL pipeline explosion to alleged sabotage

…urges FG, NNPCL to resolve conflict among surveillance contractors

By David Owei,Bayelsa

A group identified as the Niger Delta Monitoring Group (NDMG) has alleged that the recent explosion occurred near the Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpopo communities in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State is due to the indecision by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) on the issue of surveillance contracts.

According to the group, based in Warri,Delta State, claimed that the explosion may be due to the existing tension among Oil Pipeline Surveillance contractors in the Niger Delta region.

The Niger Delta Monitoring Group, in a statement issued on Friday and made available to newsmen via electronic mail by its spokesperson, Commander Oritse Tuoyo,said the explosion incident has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the motives behind such destructive actions.

According to the statement, ” “Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion may be linked to pipe surveillance contractors seeking to pressure the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) into review and renew their contracts.”

According to the group, they alleged that reports available to them indicate that some high-profile security personnel within the NNPCL are aware of the circumstances surrounding the explosion, raising alarming questions about potential collusion.

“If those benefiting enormously from pipeline surveillance contracts are alleged to have sabotage the oil pipelines to attract government attention for a review or renewal, what message does this send to those in communities with oil facilities that gain nothing from such arrangements? the group queried.

The Niger Delta Monitoring Group however called on the Federal Government to intervene, emphasizing that a specific sector within the government appears to be collaborating with these contractors, resulting in significant damage to the nation’s economy.

The group asserts that this pattern of sabotage may continue unless all parties, including those not currently benefiting from surveillance contracts, are involved in future negotiations.

In light of these events, the Niger Delta Monitoring Group urges the government to act swiftly to review or renew contracts while ensuring inclusivity for all stakeholders in the region.

,”Failure to address these grievances could lead to further disruptions and explosions, posing an ongoing threat to both the environment and the stability of the region.”

“Government knows what to do,” Commander Tuoyo stated, expressing hope for a resolution that considers the needs of all affected communities.

Recall that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on wednesday confirmed that an explosion occurred in its oil pipeline near the Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpoро communities in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Andy Odeh,in a statement said initial observations indicated a pressure drop consistent with a loss of containment on an NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) pipeline.

He said, “Our priority at this time is the safety of nearby communities and the protection of the environment. Emergency response procedures have been activated, and we are working closely with relevant authorities and community leaders to ensure a coordinated approach to mitigate impact.”

He added that the NNPC Limited remains committed to the highest safety and environmental standards.

“Further updates will be provided as more confirmed information becomes available,” it read.

By Our Correspondent

As part of efforts to boost the nation’s revenue earning,Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) ,
Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga has said the issuance of the Permit to Access Flare Gas (PAFG) under the 2022 NGFCP signifies the transition from legacy challenges to market-driven solutions that unlock economic opportunities, strengthen energy security, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency across the industry.

Speaking as the NUPRC issued Permits to Access Flare Gas to 28 successful awardees under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), the CCE said the move marks a pivotal shift from environmental liability to economic opportunity in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

In particular, the Commission awarded the permits to the winners at the official ceremony titled “Permit to Access Flare Gas Issuance” held on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Abuja.

The successful awardees are: Ace Energy Limited; Afagaf Company Limited; AGH Lero; Almina Resources Limited; Amazon Energy Limited; AUT Energy; Beluga Asiko; Bodej Investment Limited; Cainergy Limited; Cimcmonobuo Nigeria Limited; Dawcon Consortium; Dawnwatch Limited; Fargab Limited; Folstaj International Limited; Geospectra Energy Limited; Izzi Project Limited; and MMLet Energy Limited.

Others are: MSN Consortium; Newgaz Integrated Services Limited; NG Lyon Construction Limited; Oaks Cluster Energy; Seal Energy Limited; Tecnis EPS International Limited; Teobell International; Terms Energies; Zipora Gas; and Stelog Gas Company Limited.

The permit issuance marks a major milestone in NUPRC’s quest to utilise flare gas and move Nigeria towards achieving its net-zero target.

Engr. Komolafe stated that the permit aligns with the Presidential ambition and Nigeria’s carbon-reduction goals. He said the Commission is “pleased to announce that 28 awardees have fully executed the required suite of commercial agreements, which include the Connection Agreements, Milestone Development Agreements, and Gas Sales Agreements; and now qualify to receive the Permit to Access Flare Gas.

“These entities represent a strong blend of operational capability, financial readiness, and technological competence. To all our flare site awardees soon to become Permit Holders, I offer warm congratulations,” the CCE said.

He added that the award aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the country to harness hydrocarbon resources, as reflected in the Executive Orders issued in 2024.

“Allow me to express deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His reform-driven leadership and commitment to enabling the petroleum sector continues to shape the strategic direction of our work at NUPRC. The Presidential Executive Orders on NAG fiscal incentives and tax rebates, local content directives and cost efficiency demonstrate his emphasis on investment competitiveness for the sector,” he noted.

He explained that the NGFCP was redesigned after the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and refined for transparency, commercial viability, and global competitiveness.

“From 300 initial expressions of interest, 139 applicants qualified for the RFP stage. Following a competitive and transparent evaluation process, 42 successful bidders were awarded 49 flare sites, an achievement widely recognized for its integrity and rigour,” the NUPRC boss said.

On the benefits of the award, Engr. Komolafe said the programme is expected to reduce carbon dioxide by six million tonnes yearly, attract US$2 billion in investments, and create over 100,000 jobs.

The NUPRC boss stated: “A total of 49 flare sites have been auctioned. Forty-two (42) bidders have been awarded the sites. Between 250 and 300 mmscfd of currently flared gas will be captured and commercialised, eliminating approximately six (6) million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) annually.

“The programme is expected to attract up to US$2 billion in investment. More than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created. About one hundred and seventy thousand (170,000) metric tons of LPG will be produced annually, enabling clean energy access for approximately 1.4 million households. And nearly 3GW (gigawatts) of power generation potential will be unlocked.”

He disclosed that an NGFCP Forum and College of Awardees has been established to support project implementation and knowledge exchange.

He also revealed that the NUPRC has deepened engagement with international financiers and technology partners.

The CCE said it is important to note that although the issuance of this permit is significant, it only signals the start of the implementation phase.

He noted that while the competitive bid process may now be complete, the real work has just begun.

“Engineering, construction, financing, commissioning must begin in earnest. Be assured however, that the Commission remains fully committed to providing the needed regulatory support for the awardees and now Permit Holders to meet their timelines and obligations,” he added.

To ensure disciplined execution, the CCE said the Commission will closely monitor the implementation of milestone development agreements, conduct regular performance reviews, and proactively address emerging barriers.

This approach supports Nigeria’s broader ambition for a cleaner, more resilient energy system and enhances the competitiveness of the upstream petroleum sector.