The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) says it has recorded at least 214 incidents of oil theft in the past week.
The national oil company, in a video documentary released on its official ‘X’ handle on Tuesday, said it uncovered 72 illegal refineries across the oil-rich Niger Delta between January 13 and 19.
According to the visual report, between the 13th and 19th of January 2024, 214 incidences (of oil theft) were recorded from various incidence sources in the Niger Delta.
“72 illegal refineries were discovered across several locations” in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia States, especially in Ogubolo, Rivers, where an illegal refinery is being destroyed.
“42 illegal oil connections were said to have been uncovered in the Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
“Also, 26 cases of vandalism were reported in the past week in Rivers and Imo, some of which are being repaired. Two cases of oil spills caused by vandals were reported in Bayelsa.
“Eight illegal storage sites were discovered across several locations in the Niger Delta. Large oil pits were discovered in Isiokpo and Okrika, Rivers State.
“Significantly, sacks of oil were reportedly discovered in Oporomor, Bayelsa; Obuzor, Abia; and Ohaji/Egbema, Imo.”
The NNPCL also disclosed that 49 wooden boats carrying stolen crude were seized and confiscated in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers.
Additionally, eight cases of vessel AIS infractions and seven cases of vehicles transporting stolen crude were recorded in Delta.
The report added that eight cases occurred within the Blue Water, 28 in the Eastern region, 146 in the Central region, and 32 in the Western region of the Niger Delta.
Furthermore, 39 individuals were reportedly apprehended during this period as the NNPCL reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft.
More than 157 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024.
NNPCL said the cases were recorded from several incidence sources, like Nigeria Agip Oil, 62; Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, 29; Maton Engineering Limited, 18; Tantita Security Services Limited, 8; NNPCL Command and Control Centre, 2; Shell Petroleum Development Company, 4; and government security agencies, 34.
