Nigerian Army Cracks Down on Illegal Oil Refining Sites

Nigerian army troops have destroyed 27 illicit oil refining sites and seized stolen crude oil in recent raids on illegal oil bunkering sites in the Niger River delta. The raids are part of ongoing efforts to curb oil theft which has severely impacted Nigeria's economy and government finances.

Nigerian army troops have demolished 27 illicit oil refining sites and confiscated stolen crude oil during the latest raids in the Niger River delta, according to an army spokesperson on Wednesday.

The large-scale theft and sabotage of pipelines have significantly hampered oil production and exports in Nigeria, Africa's leading energy producer, exacerbating financial challenges for the government. President Bola Tinubu now faces a critical challenge. Acting army spokesperson Danjuma Jonah Danjuma reported that approximately 100,000 litres of stolen crude were seized, along with three vehicles carrying illegally refined fuel.

The operations are part of a broader strategy to curb oil theft, Danjuma indicated in a statement. (Reporting by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by David Holmes)

(With inputs from agencies.)