The Nigerian Army have destroyed at 27 illegal refineries and seized stolen crude oil following raids this week on oil bunkering sites in the Niger Delta region, an army spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Oil theft and sabotage of pipelines have hampered oil output in Nigeria, Africa’s top energy producer, and crippled exports, hurting government finances and leaving President Bola Tinubu with one of his biggest challenges.
Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Nigerian Army acting spokesperson said around 100,000 litres of stolen crude were seized during the raids on the refineries.
He added that three vehicles loaded with illegally refined fuel were also seized. The army spokesperson the raids were part of ongoing operations to curb oil theft and reduce illegal refineries.
“This was in addition to 2 storage reservoirs with over 80,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated. Also, 3 vehicles loaded with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, stashed in GP tanks and sacks have been confiscated. The products confiscated are estimated to be over 8000 litres.”
Danjuma said that Nigerian Army troops of 16 Brigade in Cawthorne Channel II, in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State in conjunction with other security agencies discovered and destroyed over four illegal refining sites with 3 metal drums, in addition to pits containing stolen crude estimated to be over 6000 litres.
“This feat is in addition to other pockets of seizures made by troops of 6 Division in the region. The products confiscated are being handled appropriately.
“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while commending troops for their renewed disposition to take criminal merchants out of business, charged them to ensure the integrity of the pipelines are maintained,” it noted.
