NNPC Reports Destruction Of 134 Illegal Refineries In One Week
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reported the destruction of 134 illegal refineries in the past week as part of its intensified campaign against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region. In addition to dismantling these refineries, the NNPC uncovered 63 illegal pipeline connections during this period, further exposing the extent of the sabotage facing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
A visual report by the NNPC detailed an operation conducted around 2 a.m. on Sunday, where a joint security team intercepted a large wooden boat illicitly loading stolen crude oil from Barge AGS01 within the OML 18 operating area. The boat, loaded with stolen oil, was caught in the act, leading to the barge’s capture. Alongside this, five speedboats used to tow the wooden vessel to the site were detained, and the details of the tugboats and barge involved in the operation were confiscated for further investigation.
The crackdown extended to several states, including Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Abia, where illegal activities were rampant. In Rivers State, two barges involved in bunkering were seized, and their crews arrested. Several wooden boats transporting stolen crude were also confiscated across these states.
The NNPC highlighted that the 63 illegal pipeline connections were uncovered in critical areas throughout the Niger Delta, and swift repairs were carried out in Bayelsa and Abia States to mitigate further losses. The company emphasized that vandals were not only targeting pipelines but also operating illegal refineries in swampy and waterway areas, creating environmental hazards and undermining the economy.
In Rivers State, authorities discovered secret storage facilities, while in Bayelsa, crude oil destined for the black market was seized. Additionally, security forces intercepted a vehicle in transit with jerry cans filled with stolen crude oil, and the driver was apprehended.
The NNPC provided a breakdown of the incidents: 48 occurred in deep blue waters, 81 in the central region, 134 in the eastern region, and 39 in the western region, with 25 suspects arrested and handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
Between August 31 and September 6, 2024, the NNPC identified a total of 302 incidents in the Niger Delta, thanks to various security and incident reporting sources, including Tantita Security Services, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, and government security agencies. The NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against oil theft, declaring that there would be no retreat until the problem is eradicated.
Despite the concerted efforts, oil theft continues to rise, creating a significant deterrent to foreign investment in the region. According to NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari, the ongoing crude oil theft has discouraged investors from putting money into the Niger Delta.
