Is Nigeria Losing the War on Pipeline Vandalism? Why Army Chief Waidi Shaibu Is Sounding the Alarm Over Rising Oil Theft in the Niger Delta

Is Nigeria’s economic lifeline under renewed threat in the Niger Delta? The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has raised serious concerns over the surge in pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, warning that continued attacks on oil infrastructure could deal a devastating blow to the nation’s revenue and long-term stability.

Speaking during his maiden operational visit to the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Shaibu charged troops to tighten security around critical national assets, following intelligence reports of renewed threats against pipelines and oil installations that sustain Nigeria’s crude production. He stressed that the protection of these facilities is not just a military duty but a strategic national responsibility with direct consequences for the country’s economy.

According to the Army Chief, the growing frequency of pipeline breaches and illegal oil activities highlights the urgent need for heightened vigilance, discipline, and operational commitment among troops deployed across the region. He warned that any lapse in protecting oil infrastructure could trigger widespread economic damage, including revenue losses, investor uncertainty, and increased insecurity.

“Your job here is very key to protecting critical national infrastructure, and once you do that job very well, it will impact positively on the economy of the country,” Shaibu told the soldiers. He urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to their mandate, emphasizing that their performance directly affects Nigeria’s financial stability.

In a bid to boost morale and effectiveness, Shaibu also addressed long-standing welfare and operational challenges facing personnel in the division. He announced immediate interventions, including the approval of new accommodation projects, renovation of existing quarters, and the completion of stalled infrastructure works. He added that the Army leadership is reviewing concerns related to education for soldiers’ children and other quality-of-life issues, promising that these would be treated as top priorities.

The Army Chief explained that his tour of divisions nationwide is aimed at evaluating combat readiness, operational challenges, and troop welfare, ensuring that soldiers are adequately equipped and supported to carry out their duties effectively. During the Port Harcourt visit, he said several concerns raised by commanders had already been addressed, while others would be resolved upon his return to Abuja.

Shaibu reaffirmed that the mission of the troops in the Niger Delta goes beyond routine patrols. Their core assignment, he said, is the protection of strategic infrastructure that sustains Nigeria’s economy, particularly oil pipelines and installations that generate the bulk of national revenue.

As oil theft, sabotage, and pipeline vandalism continue to plague the region, his warning raises critical questions: Is Nigeria doing enough to secure its energy infrastructure? Can the military contain the growing threats to oil production? And what happens to the economy if attacks persist? With the Army now intensifying its focus on asset protection, all eyes remain on whether these renewed efforts will finally curb one of the country’s most damaging security and economic challenges.