Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reported a troubling surge in oil theft, with 188 incidents documented in the past week alone. The company revealed that these incidents occurred between August 24 and August 30, 2024, across multiple locations in the Niger Delta.
In a detailed visual report, the NNPC disclosed that 89 illegal refineries were located and dismantled within this timeframe. Additionally, illegal connections were uncovered in Bayelsa, Abia, and Rivers States, with illegal storage sites resembling pond-like reservoirs discovered in Abia.
Crude oil spills were also noted in Abia, Rivers, and Bayelsa, attributed to these illegal connections. The NNPC further reported that vandalism incidents included a boat carrying metals from vandalized oil wellheads being intercepted in Rivers State.
On land, the authorities seized trucks and vehicles transporting stolen crude oil in Delta State, while wooden boats carrying stolen oil were intercepted in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa-Ibom States. In total, 31 suspected oil thieves were arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, expressed grave concerns over the rampant oil theft, labeling it as the most significant economic crime in Nigeria. Kyari emphasized the scale and impact of the theft, stating that the volume of stolen oil and the audacity of the perpetrators constitute a severe economic threat.
He noted that the NNPC had disconnected up to 4,846 illegal pipes from its pipelines, out of a total of 5,543 identified illegal connection points. Despite these efforts, Kyari lamented the persistence of these criminal activities, which he said are deeply entrenched in communities and challenging to eradicate.
Kyari also highlighted the sophistication of these illegal operations, pointing out that they involve large pipes and require a certain level of expertise to install. He argued that such activities undermine the oil production sector and deter investment, ultimately affecting Nigeria’s economic stability.
The NNPC continues to combat these illegal activities, calling for greater support and collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address this critical issue and safeguard the nation’s economic interests.