NNPC Seizes 63 Illegal Refineries in One Week to Combat Oil Thef.
In the past week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has seized 63 illegal refineries as part of its ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the country. This news was shared in a recent documentary, which highlighted the progress being made in the fight against this illegal activity.
During the period of August 3 to 9, a total of 177 incidents related to oil theft were recorded by various sources, including Tantita Security Services, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Company, NNPC 18 Operating Ltd, NNPC Command and Control Centre, and government security agencies. These incidents ranged from illegal pipeline connections to stolen crude oil being discovered in various locations across Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States.
In addition to seizing illegal refineries, the NNPC also recovered 19 illegal pipeline connections and made arrests in communities in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States. They also confiscated 15 wooden boats that were used to transport stolen crude oil in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
The energy company reported that a vandalized oil wellhead was discovered in Bayelsa State, and stolen crude oil was found in oil reservoirs in Rivers State. A total of 51 incidents occurred in deep blue waters, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region.
As a result of these operations, 16 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents in the past week. Crude oil theft continues to be a major challenge in Nigeria’s upstream sector, hindering the country’s ability to increase production levels.
Billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu recently commented on the issue, emphasizing the need for the government and security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for stealing the country’s crude oil. He shared his own experience with oil theft, noting that criminal gangs had been stealing crude from his pipelines, leading to decreased production levels.
Elumelu highlighted the significant impact of oil theft on international oil companies operating in Nigeria, noting that this illegal activity has led to divestment from onshore assets. He called on the government and security agencies to take swift action to address the issue and hold those responsible for oil theft accountable.
