NNPC Seizes 63 Illegal Refineries In A Week Amid Intensified Fight Against Oil Theft

NNPC Seizes 63 Illegal Refineries in a Week Amid Intensified Fight Against Oil Theft.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reported the discovery and seizure of 63 illegal refineries within the past week as part of an intensified crackdown on oil theft.

The operation, which spanned across Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States, is part of the ongoing efforts by the NNPC and other security agencies to combat the persistent issue of crude oil theft in the country.

The NNPC revealed that during the week of August 3 to 9, a total of 177 incidents were recorded by various sources including Tantita Security Services, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Company, NNPC’s Command and Control Centre, and government security agencies.

The incidents included 19 illegal pipeline connections, numerous repairs across several locations in Bayelsa and Rivers States, and the discovery of a vandalized barricaded oil wellhead in Bayelsa.

In addition to the refineries, the NNPC also noted the confiscation of 15 wooden boats transporting stolen crude in Rivers and Bayelsa States, and 17 vehicular arrests in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.

Stolen crude was found in oil reservoirs in Rivers State, and a significant number of incidents occurred across various regions, including the deep blue waters, western, central, and eastern regions of Nigeria.

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The NNPC confirmed the arrest of at least 16 suspects in connection with these incidents. Despite the progress, crude oil theft remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s upstream sector, hindering the country’s ability to increase production levels.

Billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu recently highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that theft continues to claim about 18% of the crude from his field, contributing to the divestment of international oil companies from Nigeria.

Elumelu urged the government and security agencies to identify and address the individuals and networks responsible for the large-scale theft, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in tackling this critical issue.