The Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully concluded a three-month operation in the Niger River delta, resulting in a significant blow to illegal oil refining and theft activities. According to Major General Edward Buba, the country's Defense Ministry spokesperson, the operation led to the detection and destruction of 897 illegal refineries. Additionally, 447 individuals involved in crude oil theft were arrested.
The military operation yielded substantial results, including the confiscation of 12 million liters of crude oil and 2.6 million liters of self-produced diesel. Furthermore, over 100 vehicles used for transporting these illicit products were destroyed.
The stolen crude oil is typically refined in illegal refineries and subsequently sold on the black market, depriving the government of substantial revenue.