The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) uncovered 72 illegal refineries across Rivers, Delta, and Abia states within a week. The crackdown led to the arrest of 42 suspects, interception of stolen crude, and discovery of multiple illegal oil connections, highlighting ongoing challenges in curbing oil theft in Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently uncovered 72 illegal refineries in one week across Rivers, Delta, and Abia states. In a detailed video report, NNPCL highlighted these illegal operations, which are part of a broader crackdown on oil theft in the region.
On August 18, a vessel with 12 suspects on board was intercepted by Operation Delta Safe in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State. The suspects were caught with a tugboat loaded with stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines, showcasing the extent of pipeline vandalism. The thieves not only tapped into the pipelines to siphon crude oil but also removed sections of the oil pipelines themselves. The arrested suspects are currently under investigation.
NNPCL also reported that 46 infractions related to the Automatic Identification System (AIS) were recorded at sea, with 24 wooden boats carrying stolen crude intercepted in Rivers and Bayelsa states. On land, vehicles transporting stolen crude were seized in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
Additionally, 33 illegal oil connections were discovered, alongside eight oil spill incidents linked to vandalism. NNPCL also uncovered 12 sites used for storing stolen crude and illegally refined products. Between August 17 and 23, 204 incidents of oil theft were recorded, with 42 suspects arrested in connection with these activities. This highlights the ongoing challenges in securing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
