Nigerian Government Ramps Up Operations Against Illegal Oil Refining

Efforts to curb the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta have intensified, with the Nigerian military ramping up operations against illegal oil refining sites. Despite increased efforts to halt these illegal activities, the proliferation of illegal refining sites continues to pose a significant challenge, requiring drastic and sustained measures.

Illegal refiners

In response, the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has significantly increased its patrols across the Niger Delta region, targeting and destroying illegal oil refining sites. One of the most successful operations was recently conducted along the Imo River near Obuzor and Okoloma, where several active illegal refining sites were found exploiting the difficult terrain to carry out their illicit activities.

During this operation, the air crew discovered and destroyed 13 illegal refining sites, including 10 overhead tanks connected to reservoirs and numerous gallons of illegally refined products. The success of the mission was further bolstered when the patrol team, extending their surveillance downstream, spotted a 6-tyre tipper truck along the riverbank. The truck was being loaded with illegal products from four canoes. Upon detecting the aircraft, the criminals fled in disarray, but the truck and canoes were swiftly destroyed by the air crew. Continuing their patrol over the Trans Niger Pipeline, no unusual activities were observed along the Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny pipeline, including critical points such as the Bodo trunk line and the Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline.

Environmental damage by oil exploration in the region

Simultaneously, under the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and in line with the Presidential mandate to secure pipelines in the Niger Delta, ground troops have also been actively engaged in dismantling illegal refining operations. In a recent campaign, troops successfully destroyed 58 illegal refining sites across Bayelsa and Rivers States. These operations underscore the military's renewed commitment to eradicating the activities of oil thieves in the region.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended the Air Component for their dedication and resolve in combating oil theft, highlighting the military's ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria's vital oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.