Nigerian army shuts down 19 illegal oil refineries in Niger Delta

By Adam Abu-bashal and Alperen Aktas

ABUJA, Nigeria/ISTANBUL (AA) - The Nigerian army announced Sunday that it has shut down 19 illegal crude oil refineries in the oil-rich Niger Delta region as part of nationwide efforts to curb petroleum theft.

Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting deputy director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, said the operation targeting petroleum smugglers took place between May 19 and 25, resulting in the seizure of around 589,000 liters of refined petroleum products and the arrest of 20 suspects.

“Operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta continue with recorded successes,” he added, noting the military’s ongoing campaign in the region.

Oil theft and attacks on pipelines caused Nigeria to lose over $3 billion in 2023 alone, according to Senator Ned Nwoko.

With proven reserves of about 37 billion barrels, or roughly 3.1% of global supply, Nigeria ranks eighth worldwide in petroleum reserves and sixth in exports.

Despite this, the Delta region frequently witnesses sabotage, armed conflict and kidnappings linked to oil-related unrest. This is often tied to grievances of local communities feeling deprived of oil wealth and development as well as environmental damage.