In a continued effort to combat oil theft and vandalism, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered an additional 165 illegal refineries across the Niger Delta.
This revelation came during NNPCL’s recent weekly programme, ‘Energy and You’. Between June 15 and 21, approximately 400 incidents of oil theft and vandalism were reported by both government and private security agencies.
NNPCL reported that 69 illegal connections were discovered and disconnected in Bayelsa and Rivers States alone. Additionally, the company noted at least eight instances of oil spills due to vandalism or illegal connections across the region.
In Warri, Delta State, an illegal loading point was identified. Across several swamps in Okrika, Rivers State, 69 illegal refineries were reportedly uncovered and dismantled. Similar sites were found in various locations in Abia and Bayelsa States.
NNPCL also revealed that 19 illegal storage sites filled with stolen crude and illegally refined products were discovered in Delta, Imo, Rivers, Abia, and Bayelsa States.
In addition, 11 vehicles were seized in Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Bayelsa States, and 39 boats carrying stolen crude were confiscated in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
During the period under review, eight individuals were arrested in connection with these illegal activities.
Recently, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, stated, “Within the last two years, we removed over 5,800 illegal connections from our pipelines.”
The ongoing efforts by NNPCL highlight the significant challenges and measures being taken to secure Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and resources.
