In Nigeria, Africa’s oil and gas-rich country, 32 illegal refineries where crude oil was being processed have been destroyed.
Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting director of the Nigerian Army’s Public Relations, stated that operations against oil smugglers in the Niger Delta region are ongoing. He reported the destruction of these refineries, along with the seizure of oil tankers and 25 boats, and the recovery of 250,000 liters of stolen oil.
Oil theft is negatively impacting Nigeria’s economy. Senator Ned Nwoko revealed that the country faced over $3 billion in losses in 2023 due to increasing oil theft and pipeline attacks.
Nigeria has approximately 37 billion barrels of confirmed oil reserves, accounting for 3.1% of global reserves. Ranked among the top 15 countries in crude oil production, Nigeria is the eighth largest holder of oil reserves worldwide and the sixth largest exporter.
In the Delta region, home to these oil deposits, armed groups have been involved in sabotage, conflicts, and kidnappings related to oil fields.