Niger Delta Records Zero Pipeline Attacks in 2025

For the first time in recent memory, Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta went an entire year without a single pipeline vandalism incident.

The Nigerian Army's 6 Division reported zero breaches across all oil company pipelines in its area throughout 2025. Major General Emmanuel Emekah shared the historic achievement during a media tour in Port Harcourt, crediting intelligence-led patrols and genuine community engagement for the success.

The impact on Nigeria's economy has been substantial. Daily crude oil production jumped from around 1.5 million barrels to 2.2 million barrels by December 2025, a nearly 50% increase that translates to billions in additional revenue for the nation.

The military's approach focused on partnership rather than force alone. Continuous dialogue with host communities helped address longstanding grievances between residents and international oil companies before tensions could escalate into sabotage.

When oil leakages did occur, investigators found aging infrastructure was the culprit, not vandalism. The army promptly reported these issues to oil companies for repair, keeping communication lines open and transparent.

The fight against illegal refining operations continued alongside pipeline protection efforts. Military teams dismantled illegal refining sites while working to disrupt the support networks that enable them, addressing both security and environmental concerns.

The Ripple Effect

The breakthrough demonstrates how combining security measures with genuine community engagement can solve problems that seemed intractable. For years, pipeline vandalism plagued the Niger Delta, costing Nigeria billions in lost revenue while damaging local environments.

Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized that transparency and accountability built the trust needed for success. He noted that maintaining civilian confidence remains critical to sustaining these gains.

The military acknowledged that security requires collective effort. By treating local communities as partners rather than threats, they created conditions where residents themselves had stake in protecting pipelines.

Follow-up operations continue to prevent vandals from re-establishing operations, while ongoing community mediation works to keep the peace. The commitment to sustained engagement rather than one-time crackdowns appears key to maintaining the progress.

Nigeria's increased oil production strengthens the entire economy, funding infrastructure, education, and healthcare across the nation. The Niger Delta communities themselves benefit from stable operations that don't poison their land and waterways with spills from vandalized pipes.

A full year of protected pipelines shows that partnership and persistence can transform even the most challenging security situations into stories of hope.