In Nigeria, a country rich in oil and natural gas, 15 illegal refineries processing stolen crude oil have been destroyed.
Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, announced in a written statement that the military conducted aerial operations against oil smugglers in the Niger Delta, the nation’s oil-producing region.
He reported the destruction of 15 illegal refining sites and the seizure of 11 tankers carrying oil, along with several boats. Additionally, 115,000 liters of stolen crude oil were recovered.
Oil theft in Nigeria is negatively impacting the country’s economy. Nigerian Senator Ned Nwoko has stated that due to increasing oil theft and attacks on pipelines, the country has suffered losses exceeding $3 billion in 2023.
- 37 Billion Barrel Oil Reserves
Nigeria’s proven oil reserves are approximately 37 billion barrels, accounting for 3.1% of global reserves.
Ranked among the top 15 countries in crude oil production, Nigeria is the 8th in the world for oil reserves and 6th in oil exports.
In the Delta region, where oil fields are located, armed groups are involved in sabotage, conflicts, and kidnappings related to oil operations.