In a determined effort to stem the tide of oil theft in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, military forces have executed a week-long operation that led to the arrest of 43 individuals involved in illegal oil activities. Over the course of operations between March 31 and April 6, troops seized more than 254,000 litres of stolen fuel, dismantled 14 unauthorized refineries, and shut down 14 boats used in the illicit trade.
The crackdown targeted key areas in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states, including a large, clandestine bunkering site in the Sapele region where significant quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products were recovered along with associated vehicles and equipment. According to army spokesperson Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, these operations are part of a broader strategy to combat the systemic issues of pipeline pilferage and illegal refining that are prevalent in the region.
Source: Reuters
