Oil thieves shift tactics, use chemicals to produce adulterated fuel – military

The Nigerian military has raised the alarm over a new tactic being adopted by oil thieves in the Niger Delta, revealing that criminal networks are now using chemicals to process stolen crude oil into adulterated petroleum products in order to evade security operations.

The Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, disclosed this during an operational visit to the region, noting that the development reflects the growing sophistication of illegal refiners despite intensified military crackdowns on oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining activities.

According to Oladipo, illegal refiners have abandoned the open burning of crude oil, which previously made them easy targets for security forces.

“Illegal refiners are evolving. They no longer burn crude openly. They now use chemicals to mix with crude oil to produce adulterated petroleum products,” he said.

He warned that the process is dangerous, unscientific and harmful to both users and the environment.

“This process is scientifically incomplete and extremely destructive to vehicles, generators and the environment,” Oladipo said, adding that the military is adjusting its operations to counter the new method.

“We are also tracking the supply chain of these chemicals to disrupt their operations,” he added.

The naval officer stressed the need for stronger community collaboration, noting that intelligence from residents remains critical to successful security operations in the creeks.

“If communities observe suspicious movements, trucks accessing the creeks or unfamiliar faces, they should report immediately,” he said. “Crude oil resources belong to all Nigerians.”

Beyond illegal refining, Oladipo identified crude oil theft at wellheads as another major challenge, explaining that many installations are located in remote and difficult terrain.

“In many areas, thick vegetation makes movement extremely difficult. Even when illegal activities are detected, access remains a serious challenge,” he said.

Despite these constraints, he said Operation Delta Safe conducts at least two major operations daily, in addition to routine patrols, to protect national oil infrastructure.

Oladipo maintained that recent challenges affecting crude oil production were not primarily caused by vandalism.

“Our guiding principle is to ensure that national production does not decline. Current production challenges are largely due to maintenance activities and seasonal factors,” he said.

He described the Niger Delta as safe for business, citing increased exploration activities and renewed investor confidence in the region.

The commander also dismissed claims of rivalry among security agencies, insisting that cooperation remains strong.

“All agencies are working together towards a common objective of securing national assets and boosting production,” he said.

On capacity, Oladipo said personnel training was not the issue, as troops are well trained locally and internationally, but stressed the urgent need for improved infrastructure and advanced technology.

“These technologies are expensive but essential for effective maritime and energy security,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the Chief of Defence Staff is coordinating multiple security operations across the country, with a renewed focus on information operations.

“One of the key elements of modern warfare is Information Operations,” Onoja said. “It is a critical line of operation that has not received enough emphasis in the past.”

He said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyode, has prioritised engagement with civilians to improve information flow and perception management.

“The public provides information and the Armed Forces act on it. The Nigerian media remains a vital partner in this process,” Onoja said.

He commended the efforts of the military, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

“The military alone cannot address Nigeria’s security challenges. Every citizen has a role to play,” he said.