The Security and Economic Research Network (SERN), a civil society organisation, has urged residents of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in its ongoing campaign against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and illicit refining activities in the region.
SERN warned that beyond the illicit financial gains enjoyed by individuals and criminal networks involved in oil theft, the activities are causing serious environmental destruction, including pollution of rivers and groundwater, destruction of mangroves, contamination of farmlands and declining fish stocks.
It said the consequences extend beyond environmental damage to public health, food security, livelihoods and the economic future of oil-producing communities, stressing that the region’s natural resources should serve as a foundation for development rather than criminal enrichment.
The organisation cited the Defence Headquarters’ October 30 operational briefing, which disclosed that troops dismantled 49 illegal refining sites and recovered 756,837 litres of petroleum products in the South-South region during the period under review.
It also referenced the Nigerian Navy’s disclosure that it recovered more than 7.48 million litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products, deactivated 168 illegal refining sites, destroyed 363 dugout pits and arrested 259 suspects between November 2025 and November 2026.
According to SERN, the figures demonstrate the scale of oil theft in the Niger Delta and the need for sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between security agencies and host communities.
It called on traditional rulers, youth organisations, women groups, religious leaders and community development associations to reject any form of collaboration with oil theft syndicates.
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“Oil theft may appear profitable to those involved in the criminal enterprise, but the communities are paying a much higher price through polluted rivers, destroyed mangroves, damaged farmlands, declining fish stocks and the gradual destruction of their natural heritage,” the organisation stated.
SERN urged residents to provide credible and timely intelligence to security agencies on suspicious movements of crude oil, illegal refining facilities, unauthorised pipelines and vessels associated with oil theft.
It also called on the Armed Forces to sustain intelligence-driven operations while ensuring professionalism, respect for human rights and the protection of innocent residents.
The organisation further urged the Federal Government and environmental agencies to intensify clean-up operations, restore damaged ecosystems and provide alternative livelihood opportunities for young people.
The organisation maintained that the fight against crude oil theft must go beyond arrests and the dismantling of illegal refineries to include environmental restoration, community development and economic empowerment.
“Protecting the Niger Delta is a shared responsibility. The people must stand with the Armed Forces, not with criminal networks. The future of the region, its rivers, forests, farmlands, fishing communities and coming generations depends on the choices made today,” Victor said.
