The Nigerian Army has dismantled 19 illegal refineries and arrested 12 suspects in a large-scale operation aimed at curbing illegal oil activities. The operation, conducted in the Niger Delta region, targeted sites involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining, which have contributed to environmental degradation and economic losses.
According to military officials, the destroyed refineries were processing stolen crude oil, with large quantities of illegally refined products also seized. The suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution.
The army reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal oil bunkering and warned that more operations would follow to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit trade. Authorities urged communities to report suspicious activities to aid the fight against economic sabotage.
