Charred bodies were left scattered among burnt palms, cars and vans on Sunday after a weekend explosion that killed more than 100 people at an illegal oil refining depot on the border of Nigeria's Rivers and Imo states.
Government officials estimate that Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer, and exporter, loses an average of 200,000 barrels of oil per day, more than 10 percent of production, to illegal tapping or vandalizing of pipelines.
That has forced oil firms to regularly declare force majeure on oil and gas exports.
Illegal oil refineries, often referred to as "bunkering" operations, do exist in Nigeria. These are makeshift refineries typically set up in remote areas, particularly in the Niger Delta region. These operations involve the illegal refining of crude oil, usually obtained through oil theft or illegal oil bunkering.
These illegal refineries are considered a significant issue in Nigeria due to several reasons:
Environmental Impact: Bunkering operations often lack proper safety and environmental standards, resulting in significant pollution and damage to the ecosystem. The refining process can release harmful substances into the air, soil, and water, causing ecological devastation.
Economic Implications: Illegal refining contributes to the loss of revenue for the Nigerian government and the legitimate oil industry. It disrupts the proper flow of crude oil and refined products, leading to financial losses.
Criminal Activity: Illegal oil refining is associated with organized crime, including smuggling, corruption, and violence. It can fuel insecurity, contribute to the proliferation of armed groups, and exacerbate conflicts in the Niger Delta region.
The Nigerian government, along with security agencies, has been taking measures to combat illegal bunkering and shut down illegal refineries. These efforts involve increasing surveillance, conducting raids, and implementing legal measures to deter and prosecute individuals involved in such operations.
It's important to rely on official reports, news sources, or reputable organizations for accurate and up-to-date information on the situation surrounding illegal oil refineries in Nigeria.