The Security and Economic Research Network (SERN), a civil society organisation, has urged Niger Delta communities to support military operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and illicit refining.

SERN convener Morris Victor, in a statement on Friday, said community cooperation and timely intelligence were critical to sustaining the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) efforts to tackle the criminal activities.

He noted that the campaign, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, required active participation from host communities.

Mr Victor warned that oil theft and illegal refining were causing severe environmental damage, including pollution of rivers and groundwater, destruction of mangroves and contamination of farmlands.

He said the activities also threatened public health, food security, livelihoods and the economic future of oil-producing communities.

The convener 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 during the period under review.

He 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.

Mr Victor said the figures underscored the scale of oil theft and the need for sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration with host communities.

He urged traditional rulers, youth organisations, women groups, religious leaders and community associations to reject any form of collaboration with oil theft syndicates.

“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,” he said.

The group leader called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies on suspicious movements of crude oil, illegal refining facilities, unauthorised pipelines and vessels linked to oil theft.

He also urged the armed forces to sustain intelligence-driven operations while ensuring professionalism, respect for human rights and protection of innocent residents.

Mr Victor further called on the federal government and environmental agencies to intensify clean-up operations, restore damaged ecosystems and provide alternative livelihood opportunities for young people.

He maintained that the campaign against oil theft should extend beyond arrests and 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,” Mr Victor said.

(NAN)