The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) announced that 134 illegal refineries were destroyed and 63 illegal pipeline connections uncovered in a significant operation last week aimed at curbing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
In a visual report released by the NNPC, the state-owned oil company detailed that a joint security team discovered a large wooden boat illicitly loading stolen crude oil from Barge AGS01 in the OML 18 operating area at around 2 am on Sunday. Acting on credible intelligence, the boat was caught receiving crude from the barge, leading to the seizure of the barge and its associated tugboat. Additionally, five speedboats used in towing the boat to the illegal loading site were detained for further investigation.
In Rivers State, two more barges involved in illegal bunkering were confiscated, and their crew members were arrested. Furthermore, wooden boats transporting stolen crude oil were seized in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Abia States.
NNPC revealed that the 63 illegal pipeline connections were discovered in critical locations across the Niger Delta. Repairs were swiftly carried out in Bayelsa and Abia States, where illegal connections were removed from the pipelines.
The company emphasized that beyond pipelines, illegal refineries, which pose a severe environmental hazard, were destroyed across the region’s swamps and waterways in states such as Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia. The refineries, described by NNPC as shadowy operations that damage the environment and drain the economy, have been a focus of intensified efforts by security agencies.
Authorities also uncovered secret storage locations for stolen crude oil in Rivers State, while in Bayelsa, crude destined for the black market was seized. Law enforcement officers intercepted a vehicle transporting stolen crude oil in jerry cans, and the driver was apprehended.
The crackdown, which took place between August 31 and September 6, 2024, led to 302 incidents being identified across the Niger Delta. The NNPC attributed the success to collaborative efforts involving Tantita Security Services, Shell Petroleum Development Company, and other stakeholders.
The operation resulted in 25 arrests, with the suspects handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
The NNPC reiterated its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, which has plagued the country’s oil industry. NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, remarked that crude theft has deterred investors from putting their money into the Niger Delta. He stressed that the NNPC would not back down until the menace is completely eradicated.
Despite increased security efforts, oil theft continues to be a significant challenge in Nigeria, threatening the country’s economic stability and environmental health.