179 oil theft incidents uncovered in one week – NNPCL

 NNPCL Uncovers 179 Cases of Crude Oil Theft in One Week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported the discovery of 179 incidents of crude oil theft within a single week as it continues efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure.

In a video update released by NNPCL, the company detailed that these incidents occurred between January 11 and 17 across the Niger Delta region. During this period, security operatives uncovered 29 illegal pipeline connections and dismantled 55 illegal refineries.

The statement highlighted that the coordinated crackdown was made possible through collaborative efforts involving NNPCL’s Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and various government security agencies.

Breakdown of Oil Theft Cases

According to NNPCL, security forces in Bayelsa and Abia States discovered illegal pipeline connections and promptly carried out necessary repairs. Additionally, in Rivers and Abia, law enforcement agents dismantled multiple illegal refineries engaged in the production of black-market petroleum products.

Hidden storage sites used for illicit operations were also exposed in Rivers and Abia, with security teams destroying the illegal facilities. However, acts of sabotage resulted in several oil spills, including damage to wellheads and a vandalized condensate pipeline in Rivers State.

Security forces also intercepted vehicles transporting stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia. On the waterways, wooden fibre boats loaded with stolen crude were seized as part of intensified enforcement efforts.

The oil theft cases were recorded across different operational zones, with 90 incidents occurring in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in Deep Blue Water.

Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Activities

The NNPCL disclosed that a total of 30 suspects were arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

Reaffirming its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, the company stated, “Our resolve remains firm, and the fight against crude oil theft will persist until this menace is completely eliminated.”

This latest development follows reports that 128 illegal refineries have been uncovered within the first two weeks of the year. Between January 4 and 10 alone, security operatives discovered 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illicit refining operations in the Niger Delta.

Crude oil theft has long been cited as a major challenge preventing Nigeria from achieving its annual oil production targets, further straining the nation’s economy.