Nigerian Army Uncovers, Dismantle 16 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops conducting counter-oil theft and security operations have uncovered and dismantled 16 illegal refinery sites in the Niger Delta over the past week.

During the operations, security forces also deactivated 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dug-out pits, and 21 storage tanks, while arresting 11 suspected crude oil thieves and saboteurs.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that troops prevented the siphoning of crude oil worth over N536.7 million. He added that security forces seized 48 smuggling boats and rescued kidnapped victims.

Recovered items included 392,174 litres of stolen crude oil, 138,757 litres of illegally refined diesel, 830 litres of petrol, and 375 litres of kerosene. Other items such as pumping machines, drilling equipment, motorcycles, mobile phones, and vehicles were also confiscated.

Kangye stated that troops also carried out raids, ambushes, and clearance operations against terrorist groups, bandits, and criminal networks across multiple states. In Anambra and Imo states, three suspected terrorists were arrested, and four kidnapped victims rescued. In Delta and Rivers, six criminals, including a suspected kidnapping kingpin, were apprehended.

In Borno and Yobe, security forces conducted clearance operations, neutralizing several terrorists and capturing key insurgents, including senior fighter Abdullahi Ali. Troops also repelled terrorist attacks and destroyed improvised explosive devices planted along key routes.

Military units engaged terrorists in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states, eliminating threats and recovering weapons, communication devices, and stolen vehicles.

Reaffirming the military’s commitment to national security, Kangye urged citizens to report suspicious activities. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to protect Nigerians in line with our Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations,” he stated.