Economy
Niger Delta: Army destroys illegal refining sites
Nigerian Army troops have demolished several illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region, specifically in Rivers and Bayelsa States, in the past week.
A video posted on the official X handle of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) reported the destruction on August 6, 2024.
The statement also noted that Land Component troops of the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe conducted the operation.
Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, also confirmed the incident in a statement issued from Port Harcourt on the morning of August 7, 2024.
Danjuma stated that the army intensified operations against criminals to boost oil production in the crude oil and gas-rich region.
The statement read:
“In the operations that ensued, troops identified several illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States, where several discoveries were made.
“In Rivers State, troops of Sector 3, Land Component, Joint Task Force, South-South Operation Delta Safe, following credible intelligence…
“Identified and successfully destroyed three illegal refining sites at Odagwa in Etche Local Government Area.
”The operation led to the confiscation and subsequent destruction of over 30,000 litres of stolen and illegally refined products.”
“Other items were also confiscated and destroyed at the sites in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta Region.
“Similarly, in Bayelsa State, troops of Sector 2, while conducting routine operations in the creeks, waterways and rivulets along Dasaba Creek in Nembe LGA…
“Confiscated over 12, 000 litres of stolen and illegally refined products.
”Other Items recovered at the illegal refining site include One Fibre Boat, Five Ovens, several metal drums as well as massive reservoirs used as storage facilities for this illegal venture.”
Illegal oil refining in Niger Delta
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a significant area both geographically and economically due to its extensive oil reserves.
However, the prevalence of illegal refining sites has posed a substantial challenge to both environmental sustainability and regional security.
These illegal operations are primarily driven by the high profitability of refined petroleum products on the black market.
Illegal refining sites are widespread in the Niger Delta’s creeks and mangrove swamps, especially in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta.
These remote and difficult-to-access areas provide cover for illicit activities.
For instance, the communities around the creeks of Okrika and Ogbogoro in Rivers State are well-known for these operations.
Similarly, the swamps around Warri in Delta State and the creeks of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State are identified as hotspots.
Operations of illegal refining sites
These illegal refining sites typically involve crude oil theft, where oil is siphoned from pipelines.
The stolen crude is then transported to makeshift refineries hidden within the dense vegetation of the Niger Delta.
The refining process, though rudimentary, converts crude oil into various petroleum products such as diesel, kerosene, and petrol.
The process pollutes air and water with toxins, severely impacting the environment and local communities’ health.
Law enforcement and military interventions
The Nigerian military and law enforcement agencies have been actively involved in combating illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta.
The JTF and Operation Delta Safe address security challenges, including illegal refining, in the region.
Some of these Notable Incidents and Efforts by the Nigerian army are:
Operation Crocodile Smile: Launched in 2016, this military operation aimed at curbing criminal activities in the Niger Delta, including illegal refineries.
The operation led to the destruction of numerous illegal refining sites and the seizure of equipment and stolen crude oil.
October 2019 incident: The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, destroyed over 50 illegal refining sites in Rivers State.
This operation also led to the arrest of several suspects involved in the illegal refining business.
December 2020 incident: The JTF raided and dismantled several illegal refineries in the creeks of Bayelsa State.
This operation aimed to curb environmental damage from oil theft and illegal refining as part of a broader effort.
July 2021 incident: In Delta State, the Nigerian Army reported the destruction of over 70 illegal refining sites.
The operation included the confiscation of boats used for transporting stolen crude oil and refined products.
For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook
Continue Reading
