Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe, have dismantled seven illegal oil refinery sites and foiled crude oil theft valued at over ₦98 million in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, which was carried out between October 7 and 14, 2025, targeted major illegal refining camps in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, as part of the military’s intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.
According to a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the troops destroyed large quantities of crude oil, automotive gas oil (AGO), and illegally refined petroleum products, while several suspects linked to the illicit operations were arrested.
“The troops of Operation Delta Safe have continued aggressive patrols and anti-sabotage operations in the Niger Delta. Within the period under review, they uncovered and dismantled seven illegal refining sites and intercepted stolen crude oil estimated at ₦98,781,000,” the statement read.
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Buba noted that the raids led to the seizure of over 200,000 litres of stolen crude, two wooden boats, 40 storage tanks, and several pumping machines used by the oil thieves. He added that the suspects were being profiled for further investigation and prosecution by relevant security agencies.
The military also uncovered multiple illegal tapping points along the Trans-Niger Pipeline and Nun River, where crude oil was being siphoned through underground hoses into makeshift refining sites hidden in swampy areas.
Troops have since intensified aerial surveillance and ground patrols across oil-producing communities to prevent the rebuilding of destroyed sites and to monitor new movements linked to pipeline sabotage.
Major General Buba reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to ending oil theft, which has long drained the nation’s revenue and posed environmental hazards in the Niger Delta.
He said, “Our operations will continue to deny economic saboteurs the freedom to operate. The military remains resolute in protecting national assets, restoring confidence in the oil and gas sector, and ensuring stability in the region.”
Environmental experts and community leaders have continued to commend the military’s sustained crackdown, noting that illegal refining activities not only cost the government billions in lost revenue but also destroy farmlands, rivers, and ecosystems critical to local livelihoods.
The Federal Government has also intensified inter-agency collaboration involving the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to strengthen surveillance and reduce oil losses through coordinated intelligence sharing.
Reports indicate that Nigeria has recorded gradual improvements in crude oil production output in recent months, partly due to sustained security operations and tighter monitoring of oil infrastructure.
Security analysts believe that the destruction of illegal refineries and arrest of perpetrators is crucial for the country to meet its OPEC production quota and improve foreign exchange earnings amid economic challenges.
