The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced the seizure of 63 illegal refineries over the past week as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft. This information was revealed in a recent documentary highlighting the progress of the anti-oil theft campaign.
From August 3 to 9, the NNPC recorded approximately 177 incidents related to oil theft and illegal activities, reported by various sources including:
– Tantita Security Services: 4 incidents
– Shell Petroleum Development Company: 11 incidents
– Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited: 26 incidents
– Maton Engineering Company: 20 incidents
– NNPC Operating Ltd: 1 incident
– NNPC Command and Control Centre: 51 incidents
– Government security agencies: 64 incidents
During this period, 19 illegal pipeline connections were recovered and repaired in Bayelsa and Rivers States. The NNPC also reported the discovery of illegal refineries in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States. Additionally, a vandalized barricaded oil wellhead was found in Bayelsa, and stolen crude was identified in oil reservoirs in Rivers State.
The operations also led to 17 vehicular arrests across Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States, as well as the confiscation of 15 wooden boats transporting stolen crude in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Out of the 177 incidents, 51 occurred in deep blue water, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region.
