By Adam Abu-bashal
ABUJA, Nigeria (AA) - Authorities In Nigeria, a major oil producer in Africa, have seized 1.2 million liters of stolen oil, an official said Sunday.
Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah, announced that the military’s ongoing operations against oil smugglers in the Niger Delta, the country’s primary oil-producing region, are making significant progress.
Jonah said that during the operations, 56 illegal oil refineries had also been destroyed.
Additionally, 17 oil smugglers were arrested and 20 boats used in smuggling operations were seized.
Oil theft has long been a significant issue in Nigeria, severely affecting the country's economy.
Nigerian Senator Ned Nwoko previously revealed that the country had incurred more than $3 billion in losses in 2023 due to the rising incidence of oil theft and pipeline attacks.
Nigeria is home to around 37 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, making up 3.1% of global oil reserves.
The country ranks among the top 15 oil producers worldwide and is the eighth largest holder of oil reserves globally as well as the sixth largest exporter of crude oil.
However, the oil-rich Niger Delta region continues to suffer from sabotage, armed group activities and incidents such as kidnappings and conflicts, further complicating efforts to secure the country's oil infrastructure.
*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul