Nigeria’s Air Force has intensified operations in the Niger Delta in an effort to curb crude oil theft and secure critical infrastructure, with the government reporting growing success.
According to a statement released by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, the operations are being led by the NAF 115 Special Operations Group (115 SOG). Ejodame stated that recent missions have dismantled illegal refining sites and disrupted logistical networks tied to criminal groups operating in the Delta.
Since January, the NAF has flown over 265 sorties in support of ground forces working to dismantle oil theft operations throughout the region.
Conflict in the Niger Delta has been ongoing since the early 1990s, stemming from tensions between foreign oil companies and local ethnic minorities. The situation escalated into open conflict in 2003, with militant leader Asari-Dokubo declaring war on the Nigerian government in 2004—sparking a nationwide oil crisis.
After a wave of attacks in January targeting oil infrastructure, the Nigerian government declared a state of emergency. Authorities accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of supporting the attacks and suspended him from office in March.
Oil theft and illegal refining have long served as a major revenue stream for militant groups operating in the Niger Delta. Despite recent military successes, attacks on oil infrastructure remain persistent, with three incidents reported on supply lines in April alone.
In 2021, Asari-Dokubo joined an insurgency led by Biafran separatists in southeastern Nigeria centered around the city of Orlu, in Imo State. He would go on to form the Biafra Customary Government (BCG), claiming to represent the interests of Biafran secessionists.
Nigeria is currently the 15th largest oil producer globally, holding approximately 2.25% of the world’s proven oil reserves and ranking as the largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa.