The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) revealed it had dismantled 34 illegal refineries and uncovered 17 illegal pipeline connections in the Niger Delta region during a series of operations from November 30 to December 6.
In a video documentary posted on its official YouTube channel, NNPCL credited the success to collaborative efforts with Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, OANDO PLC, New Guard Security and Consultancy Limited, and various government security agencies.
The company reported 94 oil theft incidents in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia States during the operations. Illegal pipelines were discovered and dismantled in hotspots like Ogboingbiri, Ejehinkiri, and Alabelema in Bayelsa State, as well as Okrika 7 in Rivers State.
Swift repairs restored functionality to affected pipelines, strengthening Nigeria’s hydrocarbon infrastructure. Meanwhile, illegal refineries were destroyed in locations including Ebocha, Umuajuloke community, Kumkum, and Okrika 7 in Rivers State, and Ukwa, Uzuaku, Oza West, Odogwa, Obuzor, and Oandu in Abia State.
A significant illegal crude oil storage site was uncovered in Okrika 7, Rivers State, where officials found crude oil stored in sacks intended for the black market. Other illegal storage sites were also dismantled in Igi 3, Ibudiya 1, Eborcha, and Ukua.
Wooden fiber boats carrying stolen crude oil were seized and destroyed on waterways in Igi 4, Okoloma in Rivers State, and Ukwua in Abia State. Additionally, 19 suspects were apprehended and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
Highlighting the geographical scope, NNPCL noted recoveries occurred across the central, eastern, and western corridors of the Niger Delta region, as well as in deep blue waters.
The crackdown is part of NNPCL’s broader efforts to end oil theft. Between August and September 2024, the company uncovered 269 illegal refineries, dismantled 82 illegal pipeline connections, and arrested 61 suspects in various operations.
In a separate operation from November 23 to 29, NNPCL uncovered 65 illegal pipeline connections and 86 illegal refineries.
Crude oil theft continues to cost Nigeria billions of dollars, hindering its oil production goals. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reported that Nigeria lost N16.25 trillion to oil theft between 2009 and 2020. In 2023 alone, the Senate estimated losses at N2.3 trillion.
The Nigerian Army’s ‘Operation Delta Safe,’ launched last year, aims to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to addressing this challenge and securing the nation’s oil resources.
