The Nigerian Army has made significant strides in combating oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region. In a recent operation, the Army arrested 15 suspects and destroyed 32 illegal artisanal refineries, seizing 14 boats and confiscating around 60,000 liters of various petroleum products.¹
The operation, carried out between January 6 and 12, targeted areas in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states. Here’s a breakdown of the operation’s successes:
- Rivers State: Seven illegal refining sites were destroyed, with 20,000 liters of crude oil seized. Two boats were also destroyed.
- Imo State: Ten illegal refineries were destroyed, with 19,000 liters of stolen petroleum products recovered.
- Bayelsa State: One illegal refinery and one boat were destroyed, with 1,500 liters of crude oil confiscated.
- Akwa Ibom and Delta: Troops maintained a strong presence, denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to operate.
The Nigerian Army’s efforts are part of a broader campaign to tackle oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which have been stifling growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. President Bola Tinubu has pledged to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production, making the war against oil theft crucial to achieving this target.
