The Nigerian army troops have dismantled at least 27 illegal refining sites and confiscated stolen crude oil in recent raids on oil bunkering operations in the Niger River delta, army spokesperson Danjuma Jonah Danjuma reported.
"Troops of 29 Battalion, while exploiting deep into the fringes of the notorious Imo River, a renowned hub of criminal activities, destroyed over 23 newly established illegal refining sites. This was in addition to 2 storage reservoirs with over 80,000 liters of stolen crude confiscated," the statement read.
He added that three vehicles loaded with illegally refined fuel were seized as well. He emphasized that these raids are part of continuous efforts to curb oil theft and restore order in the sector.
Large-scale oil theft and pipeline sabotage have significantly reduced Nigeria's oil production, impacting exports and crippling government finances. These issues present a major challenge for President Bola Tinubu as he seeks to stabilize Africa's top energy producer.