The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has uncovered 34 illegal refineries and 17 unauthorized pipeline connections in the Niger Delta region within a single week.
In a documentary shared on its official YouTube channel on Tuesday, NNPCL highlighted that these illegal operations were disrupted as part of its ‘War On Crude Oil Theft’ initiative.
The operations took place between November 30 and December 6, aligning with the company’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft in Nigeria.
This accomplishment was made possible through a collaborative effort involving NNPCL’s command and control centres, 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.
According to NNPCL, 94 incidents of oil theft were documented across Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia states during the operation.
“In a series of coordinated operations, illegal pipelines were discovered and dismantled at key hotspots – Ogboingbiri, Ejehinkiri, Alabelema in Bayelsa state.
“And Okrika 7 in Rivers state witnessed swift action as security forces uncovered an illicit setup used by perpetrators to exploit Nigeria’s resources.
“Repairs were carried out promptly restoring the pipelines to full functionality and fortifying the nation’s hydrocarbon infrastructure.
“The crackdown didn’t stop there. Illegal refineries met their end in Ebocha, umuajuloke community, Okrika 7, and Kumkum in Rivers State, as well as Ukwa, Uzuaku, Oza West, Odogwa, Obuzor, Oandu in Abia State and Bizeni in Bayelsa state,” the company stated.
Additionally, the NNPCL disclosed that a significant illegal crude oil storage site was uncovered in Okrika 7, Rivers State. Officials discovered crude oil stored in sacks, apparently prepared for sale on the black market.
A total of 19 suspects were arrested during the operation and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
