In a decisive move to curb petroleum-related crimes, the Nigerian Army announced on Sunday that it has dismantled 19 illegal crude oil refineries operating in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. The military operation, which took place between May 19 and 25, is part of an intensified nationwide effort to tackle the persistent challenge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
According to Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting deputy director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Division, the operation led to the seizure of approximately 589,000 liters of refined petroleum products. Twenty individuals suspected to be involved in the illegal activities were apprehended during the raids.
“The campaign against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta remains active and continues to achieve notable progress,” Danjuma stated, emphasizing the army’s commitment to restoring order and protecting national resources in the region.
Oil theft has long plagued Nigeria’s economy, causing severe revenue losses and undermining development. Senator Ned Nwoko recently revealed that the country lost more than $3 billion in 2023 alone due to sabotage and illicit tapping of oil pipelines.
Nigeria, which holds around 37 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves—representing about 3.1 percent of the world’s supply—is the eighth-largest holder of petroleum reserves globally and ranks sixth in terms of exports. Yet, despite its vast natural wealth, the country continues to grapple with significant security and economic challenges, particularly in the Niger Delta.
The region remains volatile, with recurring incidents of sabotage, armed militancy, and kidnappings. Much of the unrest is driven by long-standing grievances among local communities who feel excluded from the benefits of oil wealth. Issues such as environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate economic opportunities have fueled tension and resistance.
Illegal refineries, often hidden deep within creeks and swamps, pose both an economic and environmental threat. Not only do they divert critical revenue from government coffers, but their unregulated operations also lead to oil spills, toxic emissions, and damage to farmland and water sources.
The Nigerian military has reaffirmed its determination to root out such activities and restore stability to the region. As operations continue, authorities hope that sustained enforcement, combined with broader development initiatives, will address the root causes of unrest and ensure that the nation’s natural resources benefit all its citizens.