In a significant achievement, the Nigerian government has made major strides in fighting illegal oil operations, with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announcing that over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps were destroyed in 2024 by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad.
Speaking at the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Tunji-Ojo provided an update on the efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining across the country. The crackdown also led to the seizure of nearly 205 trucks filled with illegally refined petroleum products and the arrest of more than 700 suspects involved in these illicit activities.
The minister proudly shared that the squad secured 345 convictions in 2024, with 187 more cases still pending in court. These actions reflect the government’s strong commitment to tackling illegal oil operations that have long plagued the country.
Tunji-Ojo stated, “In 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps, impounded close to 205 trucks carrying stolen petroleum products, and arrested more than 700 suspects involved in these criminal activities.”
In addition to the fight against illegal refineries, the Minister also highlighted efforts to address overcrowding in Nigeria’s correctional facilities. Last year, a large-scale initiative led to the release of over 4,000 inmates in a single day, helping to reduce the inmate population by 5%. The initiative, which identified detainees incarcerated for minor fines, has not only eased congestion but also saved the government approximately one billion Naira annually in feeding costs.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s update signals a significant year of progress in tackling both illegal oil operations and prison overcrowding, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to reform and national security.
