137 illegal refineries destroyed in one year – Investigation

In a concerted effort to tackle the menace of illegal oil refining and crude oil theft, Nigerian military forces have destroyed no fewer than 137 illegal refineries in a series of operations carried out between August 2023 and July 2024.

These operations, conducted across five states, including Delta, Rivers, Kano, Abia, and Imo, underline the Nigerian government’s intensified crackdown on oil-related crimes that have plagued the nation’s economy.

The most recent of these operations took place on July 25, when the Defence Headquarters announced the discovery and destruction of 36 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.

According to investigations by our correspondent, the operation also successfully thwarted the theft of crude oil valued at an estimated N793 m within one week.

These operations were part of a broader campaign led by various military units to curb the illegal activities that have significantly impacted Nigeria’s oil production and revenue.

The crackdown during the period in view began in August 2023, when troops from Nigeria’s 6th Division of the Army launched an operation in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.

During this operation, eight operational ovens used for refining stolen crude oil were destroyed near the communities of Ogbokoko and Atu.

In September 2023, the Nigerian Air Force’s Operation Delta Safe conducted airstrikes that obliterated over 30 illegal oil refining sites located in the Cawthorne Channel and Bille areas of Degema Local Government Area, of Rivers State. The airstrikes also destroyed storage tanks, reservoirs, and Cotonou boats believed to be involved in the theft of crude oil from a nearby flow station.

One of the more tragic incidents occurred on January 8, 2024, when an explosion at an illegal facility refining used engine oil in the Katango area of Wailari, Kano, resulted in the death of one person.

This incident highlighted the dangers associated with illegal refining operations, not just to the environment and economy but also to human lives.

The military continued its operations in April 2024, with the air component of Operation Delta Safe destroying seven illegal refining stations in various locations across Rivers State.

Additionally, military aircraft targeted and attacked four vessels carrying illicitly processed goods as they sailed southwards, demonstrating the comprehensive approach being taken to curb these illegal activities.

On May 11, 2024, the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, intensified the crackdown by destroying over 40 illegal refining sites located in Ukwa Forest, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.

Rear Admiral John Okeke, the Commander of the Joint Military Force, who led the operation, stated that these sites were actively refining stolen crude oil siphoned by oil thieves.

However, while the military’s efforts have been largely commended, an expert has raised concerns about the broader implications of these operations.

Economist, Mr Paul Alaje, said that the illegal refineries could have been responsible for the low supply issues currently affecting Nigeria’s petroleum market.

He pointed out that the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit and the recent fuel shortages might be linked to the operations of these illegal refining activities.