By Harriet Tornguvan
The Joint Task Force (JTF) Delta Safe has demonstrated exceptional commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure, a critical component of the nation's economy.
Operating from September 2023 to August 2024, the officers of Delta Safe have made significant strides in combating security challenges, including crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities across the South-South and South-Eastern regions of the country.
Speaking on the achievements at the Headquarters in Bayelsa during a visit of journalists on a media tour EA Okhuozagbon
highlighted some achievements during a briefing, emphasizing the force's tireless efforts to secure Nigeria’s energy resources.
"Tasked with ensuring the security of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta region, the JTF has effectively carried out its mandate, achieving a substantial reduction in crude oil theft and other criminal activities.
According to Okhuozagbon the JTF's operations have been instrumental in addressing illegal activities that have long plagued the region. Notably, between September 2023 and August 2024, the JTF has worked diligently to restore crude oil production levels to 2.2 million barrels per day, following a directive from the President conveyed through the Chief of Defence Staff.
He said that among the task force's standout operations was a 21-day campaign conducted from November to December 2024 in Zone 3, encompassing areas such as Oyu, Okuza, Asak, and River State. This operation, dubbed the 9.6 Freedom March targeted illegal refining activities and other criminal enterprises in the region.
Additionally, on November 27, 2024, troops from Metropolis Sector 2, in collaboration with staff of PIMF, uncovered 115 illegal refining sites in the Vanuatu and Makauri forests of Yanagawa local area in Waisi State.
Feathermore, the operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 755,000 liters of crude oil and 53,000 liters of refining agents, dealing a significant blow to illegal refining networks.
He highlighted challenges and Future Projections, saying, despite these successes, the rising costs of aviation fuel have placed additional financial and logistical strain on the task force’s operations. To address these challenges, the JTF plans to intensify tactical drills, enhance collaboration for intelligence sharing, and adopt more strategic approaches to infrastructure governance.
"From the second to the fourth quarter of 2024, the JTF reported a 5% reduction in illegal refinery activities and crude oil theft. These results underscore the effectiveness of the JTF’s operations in restoring stability to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
"The Joint Task Force Delta Safe remains steadfast in its commitment to securing national resources, ensuring economic stability, and protecting critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.
Commodore Patrick Meteke, who represented the Theater Commander of Operation Delta Safe, acknowledged the community's efforts in curbing criminal activities through collaborative kinetic operations.
The JTF also emphasized the critical role of the media in its operations, urging journalists to provide accurate coverage of their activities. This transparency aims to keep the public informed, counter misinformation, and foster trust between the task force and the communities it serves.
The event was graced by the presence of Commodore Patrick Meteke, the Maritime Components Commander of Operation Delta Safe, alongside Major Kayode Owolabi, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre. Additionally, several heads of various departments within the security sector were also in attendance, reflecting a broad representation of key stakeholders.
