In its ongoing battle against crude oil theft, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed the discovery of 83 illegal refineries and the arrest of 22 suspects in the Niger Delta over the past week. The company also reported the identification of 15 illegal pipeline connections during the same period.
Through its official communication channel on X, the NNPCL shared a documentary disclosing that between January 6 and 12, 2023, a total of 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism were reported. Additionally, it highlighted the interception of an illegal crude oil vessel loaded with thousands of metric tonnes of crude oil. The vessel, named MT Kali, was apprehended by Tantita Security Services in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps while loading directly from an offshore platform in Bayelsa State. All 23 crew members onboard the illegal vessel have been taken into custody.
The Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, conducted an inspection of the seized vessel in Oporoza, Warri, Delta State. General Musa affirmed the military’s commitment to collaborating with the national oil firm and other security agencies to curb the menace of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. He emphasized that putting an end to such criminal activities is essential for the country’s development.
In a previous disclosure a week ago, NNPCL had reported the discovery of 52 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, accompanied by the destruction of the same. During that operation, 32 illegal pipeline connections were exposed, and the company detailed 157 incidents of oil theft recorded between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024, from various sources.
The ongoing efforts by NNPCL and its partners underscore their determination to tackle the illicit activities of oil theft and safeguard the nation’s resources for sustainable development.