The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has announced the destruction of over 70 illegal oil refining sites in the Niger Delta.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja.
He said the operations were conducted by troops of Operation Delta Safe between June 6 and 13, 2025, across several hotspots in the region.
According to Kangye, troops discovered and dismantled 73 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 19 boats, 51 storage tanks, 28 drums, and 21 illegal refining sites in the course of the week-long raids.
In addition, the military recovered and seized 142,960 litres of stolen crude oil, 39,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 29,500 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
Other equipment and items used by the oil thieves, including outboard engines, pumping machines, drilling machines, pipes, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and 12 vehicles were also recovered during the operations.
“These operations are part of the sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to curb oil theft, protect critical national economic assets, and deny criminals the opportunity to sabotage the country’s oil sector,” Kangye stated.
He further noted that troops remain on high alert across the Niger Delta to identify and dismantle remaining illegal refining camps and apprehend the perpetrators behind the illicit trade.
The illegal refining business has not only undermined national revenue but also contributed to severe environmental degradation and economic sabotage in the oil-rich region.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security and stability in the region while supporting government efforts to reform and protect Nigeria’s vital oil industry.
