The Defence Headquarters has conducted an expanded media tour of key operational locations in Rivers and Bayelsa States as part of its strategic communication drive to provide Nigerians with firsthand insight into ongoing military operations under Operation DELTA SAFE.
The tour brought together defence correspondents from across various media houses and was aimed at showcasing sustained joint efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protect critical national assets, curb crude oil theft and illegal refining, and enhance peace, security, and economic stability in the Niger Delta.
The first point of call was the Headquarters of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, where the media delegation was formally received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Eric Emekah.
In his remarks, Major General Emekah stated that the Division’s core responsibility is the protection of critical national infrastructure within the maritime and oil and gas domain, noting that this mandate remains central to national economic survival. 
According to the GOC, sustained military operations and improved security across the Division’s area of responsibility have translated into tangible economic gains for the nation.
He disclosed that Nigeria’s crude oil production increased from an average of between 1.4 and 1.5 million barrels per day to about 2.2 million barrels per day by December 2025, attributing the rise largely to the suppression of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.
Major General Emekah further explained that continuous operations against illegal refining activities, combined with deliberate community engagement initiatives, have enhanced environmental protection, restored legitimate livelihoods, and strengthened cooperation among stakeholders in the Niger Delta.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, in a remarks, emphasized that the tour was part of Defence Headquarters’ broader commitment to transparency and public accountability an initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede. 
He highlighted the importance of informing citizens about the scale, scope, and complexity of military operations, stating, “It is vital for Nigerians to understand not only what the Armed Forces are doing, but why these operations matter for national security, economic stability, and the protection of lives and livelihoods in the Niger Delta.”
Major General Onoja further noted that the media tour provides a platform to showcase the professionalism and dedication of troops, and to demonstrate that operational success is a direct result of coordination, intelligence, and community cooperation.
He stressed that effective communication enhances trust between the military and the public, and that journalists play a critical role in ensuring that accurate, factual information reaches citizens.
From the Army Headquarters, the delegation proceeded to the Nigerian Air Force 115 Special Operations Group in Rivers State, where the team was received by the Commander, 115 Special Operations Group, Group Captain Abdulafeez Opaleye.
In his briefing, Group Captain Opaleye explained the critical role of air power in joint operations across the Niger Delta, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions aimed at detecting illegal refining sites, monitoring pipeline corridors, and providing real-time support to ground and maritime forces.
He noted that the deployment of air assets has significantly improved response time and operational effectiveness, enabling security forces to disrupt criminal networks with greater precision. 
On his part Major General. Onoja spoke at length on the significance of air operations, emphasizing that, “The Nigerian Air Force serves as the eyes in the sky, providing timely intelligence and rapid response capability that are indispensable to joint operations. It is through this integration of land, air, and maritime forces that we are able to achieve measurable successes against criminal elements.”
He further highlighted that showcasing air operations to the media helps the public understand how strategic planning, technology, and human resources come together to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The media team then moved to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where the Commander of Operation DELTA SAFE, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, provided an in-depth briefing on the joint operation’s mandate, achievements, and challenges.
He explained that Operation DELTA SAFE is responsible for coordinating land, maritime, and air operations aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure and ensuring the safety of communities within the joint area of responsibility. 
Rear Admiral Oladipo noted that criminal elements involved in crude oil theft have continued to evolve their tactics, but assured that the joint task force remains proactive through improved intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and adaptive operational planning.
Responding Major General Onoja spoke extensively, emphasizing, “Our approach is not just operational but holistic. We engage with communities, we analyze criminal patterns, and we integrate intelligence across agencies. The media’s role in this process cannot be overstated; accurate reporting strengthens public confidence and supports our efforts to maintain law, order, and economic stability.”
He also stressed that the media tour allows journalists to witness firsthand the professionalism and dedication of troops, and that this transparency fosters accountability, builds trust, and ensures that the narrative of security operations is communicated effectively to the Nigerians.
The delegation also visited the Adibawa oil well area, located along the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa States, with the location leaning more towards Bayelsa.
The Acting Garrison Commander, Major Hassan Mubarak Mohammed, conducted the media through the area and explained that it had previously served as a hub for illegal refining and crude oil theft.
Major Mohammed provided detailed insights into the operational strategy, explaining that sustained patrols and aggressive anti-bunkering operations have successfully dismantled illegal refining camps and restored security to the area.
He also disclosed that the Nigerian Navy plans to station officers at Adibawa, a move aimed at consolidating security and protecting critical oil infrastructure. 
Speaking passionately, Major Mohammed highlighted the dedication of troops in maintaining constant operational presence despite swampy and challenging terrain, and emphasized that community engagement remains a core component of sustainable security in the region.
Major General Michael Onoja praised the troops for their resilience and reinforced the importance of media engagement in accurately portraying military efforts.
He noted, “By seeing these operations firsthand, journalists can appreciate the complexity of our task and the courage of our men and women in uniform. This transparency ensures that citizens understand the stakes involved and the progress being made to secure our national assets.”
The final stop of the media tour was Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH in Bayelsa State, where the team was received by the Commander, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami.
He highlighted ongoing riverine and maritime security operations being conducted under Operation DELTA SAFE, with emphasis on the protection of oil and gas infrastructure and the denial of waterways to criminal elements. 
As part of the visit, the media delegation was taken on operational patrols at sea aboard naval gunboats, where they observed real-time riverine security operations.
The team also visited oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure being actively protected by the military, allowing journalists to see firsthand how layered security measures are implemented to prevent crude oil theft, vandalism, and sabotage.
In his remarks at NNS SOROH, Major General Onoja emphasized the strategic importance of these operational demonstrations, stating, “The Navy’s riverine and maritime patrols are central to our mission of securing the Niger Delta.
Observing these operations at sea and at key infrastructure sites allows the media and the public to fully understand the complexities and challenges involved in protecting our waterways and economic assets. This transparency strengthens trust and showcases the professionalism and commitment of our personnel.”
Overall, the expanded Defence media tour of the theatre of operation Delta Safe provided a comprehensive picture of joint military operations in the Niger Delta.
It highlighted measurable operational and economic gains achieved through effective leadership, jointness, community engagement, and sustained pressure on criminal elements.
The Director Defence Media Operations reiterated that the Defence Headquarters under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede remains committed to transparency, strategic communication, and the continued protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets.
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