Nigeria, Africa’s oil and natural gas-rich country, continues to take precautions against the recent increase in oil theft. Air Force Spokesperson Edward Gabkwet gave information about the air operations carried out in the Niger Delta, famous for the country’s oil fields, in a written statement.
Gabkwet reported that as a result of these operations, 13 illegal oil refining facilities were destroyed and 10 oil tankers and many canisters were seized during the operations. He emphasized that the air operations are part of the efforts to reduce the activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs who carry out illegal and despicable acts such as blowing up oil pipelines.
Nigeria is struggling to combat the negative effects of oil theft on the country’s economy. Nigerian Senator Ned Nwoko stated that the country would suffer losses of more than $3 billion in 2023 due to increased oil theft and attacks on pipelines.
37 Billion Barrels of Oil Reserves
Nigeria has proven oil reserves of approximately 37 billion barrels, which is 3.1% of the world’s reserves. Nigeria is among the world’s top 15 countries in crude oil production, and is also the 8th country in the world with the largest oil reserves and ranks 6th in terms of oil exports.
In the Delta region, where oil fields are located, incidents such as sabotage by armed groups against oil fields, conflicts and kidnappings are common. This poses serious threats to both the security of the local people and the country’s economy.
