Lieutenant Colonel Oyemade Oyewumi’s tour of duty as the Commanding Officer 146 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Bonny Island Rivers State, stands out as a period defined by strategic leadership, operational discipline and strengthened civil–military relations across Rivers State’s coastal axis.
Operating under Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Lt Col Oyewumi assumed command at a time when Bonny Island’s waterways and critical national assets required firm security coordination and proactive engagement.
SCOPE OF COMMAND
As Commanding Officer, Lt Col Oyewumi was responsible for securing Bonny Island, its adjoining waterways, and strategic maritime corridors, including the Bonny–Port Harcourt sea route.
His mandate also covered the protection of critical national infrastructure, particularly oil and gas facilities, pipelines and export terminals vital to Nigeria’s economy.
Beyond combat operations, his responsibilities included support to civil authorities, crisis response and the maintenance of peace within host communities.
SECTORAL AND OPERATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Under his leadership, 146 Battalion recorded extensive operational successes through sustained intelligence-led land and maritime patrols.
The Battalion ensured the successful protection of critical national infrastructure, most notably the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), Nembe Creek Trunk Line and key oil and gas installations.
Several illegal oil refining sites were destroyed across Cawthorne Channel One and Two, as well as around Benstone Creek, Bonny LGA within these periods.
Illegal oil connections from wellheads to pit reservoirs at Samkiri, Cawthorne Channel One, were detected and dismantled which contributed to the increase in the Nation’s crude oil output as reported by NNPCL in Year 2024 and 2025.
Relatedly, numerous wooden and fibre boats used for illegal oil bunkering were intercepted and destroyed within these periods.
Multiple suspected illegal oil bunkerers were arrested across Cawthorne Channel One, Cawthorne Channel Two, Owokiri General Area, and Snake Creek, with seized boats laden with suspected stolen crude oil from August to December 2024.
Pipeline vandalism attempts were intercepted at Well 15, Cawthorne Channel One, and repeatedly at Ogbonga Forest by troops of 146 Battalion, preventing damage to national assets.
On 16 August 2024, 9 x six-inch metal pipes intended for illegal oil bunkering were intercepted at Cool Beach Jetty.
Suspected vandals were arrested at Webster Global Ventures Limited Gas Plant, Cawthorne Channel Two on 25 August 2024.
One 26 September 2024, his Unit also recorded arrests of suspected sea pirates and drug peddlers, including the recovery of a Beretta pistol, locally made firearms, ammunition, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol.
From 1 January 2025, additional illegal oil refining sites were destroyed within the operational area. A suspected pipeline vandal was arrested and handed over to the Special Prosecution Team of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in May 2025.
Two suspected sea pirates and kidnappers were arrested around Peterside Creeks, Bonny Island, with locally made firearms and operational equipment recovered on 8 September 2025.
Beyond enforcement, troops rescued 20 passengers after a boat capsized along the Bonny–Port Harcourt water route while another four passengers stranded along Dawes Island were also rescued by troops on 19 and 28 December 2024.
These operations significantly improved safety on the waterways and restored confidence among residents and commuters.
PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
Lt Col Oyewumi’s command style emphasised discipline, professionalism, and strict adherence to rules of engagement echoing the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu’s command philosophy.
Continuous patrols, rapid response deployment, and intelligence integration ensured round-the-clock surveillance.
Incidents of sea robbery, piracy and sabotage were significantly reduced during his tenure as troops responded swiftly during periods of communal tension, restoring calm and stability.
ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT
Lt Col Oyewumi ensured effective coordination, logistics management, and compliance with OPDS operational directives.
The 146 Battalion (Main) Headquarters, Bonny Island, was remodelled and furnished while wireless intercom communication gadgets were procured to improve internal coordination within the headquarters.
Operational vehicles, including Hilux platforms, were refurbished to enhance mobility.
At his Unit’s Rear in Eburutu Barracks, Calabar, the Battalion Headquarters and Quarter Guard were remodelled and furnished.
Major infrastructure projects were executed, including facelift and construction of gates, guard posts, car parks, reception areas, bus stops, and sentry posts.
A total of 215 solar-powered streetlights were installed and Mammy Market was fully electrified.
WELFARE OF PERSONNEL, DEPENDENTS AND EDUCATION SUPPORT
Six boreholes were sunk within the cantonment to improve water availability for soldiers’ accommodation.
Six water fetching points were constructed to enhance access to potable water for personnel and their families.
Old and non-functional water fetching points were reactivated to restore reliable water supply within the barracks.
Educational materials were provided to Army Children’s School, Army Day Secondary School and Command Children’s School.
Also, a drum set was donated to Army Children’s School to promote music and extracurricular development.
Wheelchairs were donated to persons with special needs at Finima Health Centre and Lt Gen F. Yahaya Camp during NADCEL 2024 and 2025.
Financial support was provided to families of ill and wounded-in-action soldiers.
Widows’ empowerment programmes and barracks youths’ initiatives were implemented.
Three editions of 146 Battalion Barracks’ Youths Get-together were successfully conducted.
STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT AND INTER-LAKES COLLABORATION
Lt Col Oyewumi maintained sustained engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government authorities.
These engagements strengthened trust, cooperation, and intelligence flow.
Inter-agency collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and other OPDS components enhanced operational effectiveness.
LEGACIES
Lt Col Oyemade Oyewumi’s tour of duty at 146 Battalion leaves a legacy of enhanced security, operational professionalism, improved welfare, community trust and institutional development.
His tenure strengthened the Battalion’s reputation as a disciplined, people-centred, and mission-driven unit. From infrastructure protection and maritime security to education, welfare and youth engagement, his leadership provides a solid template for effective military command in Bonny Island.