The Nigerian Army has intensified its crackdown on illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta, destroying 19 illegal refineries and arresting 12 suspects. The operation, conducted between March 17 and 23, 2025, spanned Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. Over 138,000 liters of stolen petroleum products were recovered.
A key success of the operation was the interception of a tanker carrying 60,000 liters of stolen crude oil in Rivers State. The driver fled upon sighting security forces, leaving behind multiple license plates. Additional raids in Degema, Bonny Island, and other areas led to the discovery of refining equipment, crude oil stored in sacks, and illicit bunkering sites.
These efforts are part of the Army’s broader strategy to combat oil theft, a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic losses.