The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced the destruction of 134 illegal refineries and the discovery of 63 illicit pipeline connections in a recent week-long operation.
According to The PUNCH, a visual report from the NNPC said a joint security team intercepted a major oil theft operation around 2 a.m. on Sunday.
The team discovered a large wooden boat illegally loading stolen crude oil from Barge AGS01 within the OML 18 operating zone. Based on credible intelligence, the boat was caught in the act of receiving crude oil from the barge.
The barge, along with a tugboat used in the operation, was taken into custody, while five speedboats used to transport the wooden boat to the illegal loading site were also detained. Authorities confiscated the particulars of the vessels involved for further investigation.
In Rivers State, two barges used in illicit oil bunkering activities were seized, and their crew members were arrested.
The NNPC reported that additional wooden boats transporting stolen crude oil were also seized in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Abia states.
The oil company revealed that 63 illegal pipeline connections were found at strategic locations across the Niger Delta. In Bayelsa and Abia states, quick repairs were carried out on damaged pipelines, and the illicit connections were removed.
Additionally, the NNPC disclosed that oil thieves were not only targeting pipelines but also establishing illegal refineries that caused environmental damage.
These refineries were destroyed in states such as Rivers, Abia, and Bayelsa. Secret storage locations were uncovered in Rivers, and in Bayelsa, crude oil intended for the black market was confiscated. Security forces also intercepted a vehicle carrying stolen crude oil in jerry cans, leading to the driver’s arrest.
Out of the 302 reported incidents between August 31 and September 6, 2024, 48 occurred in deep waters, 81 in central areas, 134 in the eastern region, and 39 in the west. A total of 25 suspects were arrested and handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
The NNPC emphasized that it remains resolute in its fight against crude oil theft, pledging to continue its efforts until the crime is completely eradicated.
Despite these efforts, oil theft continues to rise, contributing to a decline in investment in the Niger Delta, according to NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari.
