The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, informed it had recently destroyed more than 400 illegal mini-refineries operated by oil thieves. The measure was met with criticism as it is not believed to be the best solution taking into account that the country is unable to refine enough crude for local consumption of by-products, Premium Times Nigeria reported.

The NSCDC Commandant, Desmond Agu, explained that the illegal refineries –modular refineries– were destroyed between January and March.

Some Nigerians, including the Ijaw Youths Council, a civil right organization, have asked the federal government to legalise and regulate the modular refineries to ensure production of petrol and other by-products and as a means of job creation, Naij wrote.