Military deactivates 21 illegal refineries, nabs 23 oil thieves in Niger Delta

The Defence Headquarters has announced a significant crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.

He said the troops under Operation Delta Safe have discovered and deactivated 21 illegal refining sites and apprehended 23 oil thieves in the past week.

The military operation resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products, including: 121,035 litres of stolen crude oil; 19,650 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO); 7,140 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

Additionally, the troops destroyed various equipment used for oil theft, such as: crude oil cooking ovens, dugout pits, boats, storage tanks,
drums.

The military’s sustained efforts aim to curb economic sabotage and ensure the safety of oil infrastructure in the region.

He said the operation is part of the ongoing efforts to tackle oil theft and pipeline sabotage in the Niger Delta.

In a similar operation between May 26 and June 8, 2025, the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division uncovered 27 illegal refineries and arrested 43 suspected oil thieves across Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States.

He said the military’s crackdown on oil theft has led to significant seizures and arrests, with notable recoveries including: 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil; 127,870 litres of illegally refined AGO; 5,000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

He said the Nigerian military remains committed to disrupting oil theft operations and bringing perpetrators to justice.