The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported 179 incidents of crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region within a week, highlighting the persistent battle against oil theft and vandalism.
According to NNPCL, the incidents, recorded between January 11 and 17, were uncovered through coordinated efforts involving its Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and various government security agencies.
The discoveries include 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 unauthorized refineries. Security forces also dismantled illegal refineries in Rivers and Abia States, uncovered hidden storage facilities for black-market petroleum products, and repaired vandalized pipelines in Bayelsa and Abia States.
“Acts of sabotage led to multiple oil spills, including a vandalized condensate pipeline and damaged wellheads in Rivers State,” NNPCL stated. Security teams intercepted vehicles and boats loaded with stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia, while additional operations targeted the destruction of illegal storage sites.
The incidents were distributed across different regions: 90 in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in Deep Blue Water. Thirty suspects were apprehended and handed over to authorities for further investigation.
NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, emphasizing that the fight will persist until the menace is completely eliminated.
YEPS notes that 128 illegal refineries have been uncovered since the start of the year, with 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 refineries discovered between January 4 and 10.
Oil theft remains a significant obstacle to Nigeria achieving its annual oil production targets, with the Niger Delta region being a primary hotspot for these illicit activities.