The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 35 individuals for allegedly operating illegal refineries and vandalizing oil pipelines across four states in the Niger Delta region.
The crackdown led to the dismantling of 58 unauthorized refineries, part of the ongoing effort to curb oil theft and illegal bunkering, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Danjuma Danjuma, named the states involved as Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers.
The operations, conducted between October 21 and 27, resulted in the seizure of approximately 11,200 liters of stolen crude oil and 355,000 liters of tainted diesel.
In Rivers State alone, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and seized 131,500 liters of illegally refined diesel, 10,300 liters of condensates, and two wooden boats, Danjuma said. Six suspected oil thieves were detained during raids in Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Degema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas, as well as the Obiofo Oil Field, Odagwa, and Imo River.
Significant success was also reported in Akwa Ibom, where 34 illegal refining sites were dismantled, and 27 suspects were taken into custody.
Confiscated items included 215,000 liters of adulterated diesel, 19 wooden boats, nine vehicles, and 20 nylon bags used for petroleum storage.
In Delta State, two suspects were apprehended, and 1,200 liters of crude oil, along with a vehicle and various other items, were seized in Warri South and Ethiope West local government areas.
Meanwhile, operations in Bayelsa led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites. Authorities confiscated 8,500 liters of diesel, 10,000 liters of stolen crude oil, and seven wooden boats. Three individuals were arrested in Ekeremor, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa local government areas.
The Nigerian Army has pledged continued action to tackle oil theft and illegal refining in the region, a longstanding issue impacting Nigeria’s oil revenue and environment.
