For the first time in several years, Nigeria has achieved its oil and gas sector revenue target, a milestone the Federal Government attributes to unprecedented peace in the Niger Delta and coordinated crackdowns on crude theft.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced the achievement on Wednesday, citing the combined efforts of the Armed Forces, security agencies, and private surveillance firms such as Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, told military leaders led by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa that improved security has significantly boosted production and profitability. “For the first time in a long while, we met our oil and gas target. This is the direct result of the peace maintained in oil-producing areas. Prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, and the Armed Forces are critical stakeholders in sustaining it,” he said.

In Port Harcourt, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the company’s zero-infringement record in the past month had a major impact on national output. “Our partnerships with host communities, supported by timely salary payments, rapid dispute resolution, and safety measures, have reduced downtime and built trust,” Mezeh explained.

He also revealed details of recent raids, including the discovery of two illegal refining sites in Oyigbo, Rivers State, one hidden behind a logistics company and another behind a piggery. The joint PINL–Special Prosecution Task Force (SPT) operations led to arrests, the seizure of 60,000 litres of stolen crude, and confiscation of refining equipment.

SPT’s Head of Investigation, CSP Omar Sini, confirmed that intelligence from PINL was critical. “The piggery’s location was so remote that we had to rely on drone surveillance to find it. We’ve arrested three suspects and have 38 active cases in court,” he said.

NNPCL’s Head of Eastern Corridor Operations, Engr. Akponine Omojevwe, called on communities to protect recent gains. “PINL has gone the extra mile, offering scholarships and supporting local development. In securing pipelines, we must safeguard their efforts, not undermine them,” he said.

With the 2025 oil revenue benchmark already surpassed, the Federal Government says it will maintain pressure on oil thieves while working to sustain investor confidence in the sector.