In a sweeping operation targeting oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the Nigerian military has dismantled 21 illegal refineries and apprehended 23 suspected oil thieves. The raids, conducted over the past week across the Niger Delta region, resulted in the destruction of several illegal refining sites, storage tanks, wooden boats, and other equipment used for crude oil theft.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the operations spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and other states. Troops recovered over 310,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 151,500 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 5,000 litres of kerosene.
General Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ending economic sabotage, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine the nation’s oil resources. He added that all arrested suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
