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NNPCL uncovers 214 cases of oil theft, 72 illegal refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said it will continue to intensify its war against oil theft in the country.

According to the firm, last week, it recorded at least, 214 incidents of oil theft, including also uncovering 72 illegal refineries across the oil-rich region in the Niger-Delta in the same period.

This information is contained in a video documentary released by the oil giant yesterday. NNPCL in the documentary, further disclosed that, “between the 13th and 19th of January 2024, 214 incidences (of oil theft) were recorded from various incidence sources” in the Niger Delta.

It added that “72 illegal refineries were discovered across several locations” in Rivers, Bayelsa and Abia States; especially in Ogubolo, Rivers, “where an illegal refinery is being destroyed”.

Furthermore, 42 illegal oil connections were said to have been uncovered in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states, including 26 cases of vandalism recorded in Rivers and Imo states.

“Two cases of oil spill caused by vandals were reported in Bayelsa. Eight illegal storage sites were discovered across several locations in the Niger-Delta. Large oil pits were discovered in Isiokpo and Okrika, Rivers State,” it was reported.

Similarly, sacks of oil were discovered in Oporomor Bayelsa, Obuzor in Abia and Ohaji/Egbema in Imo.

The NNPC also informed that “49 wooden boats conveying stolen crude were arrested and confiscated in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers”.

It was added that eight cases of Vessel AIS infractions and seven cases of vehicles conveying stolen crude were made in Delta.

According to the report, eight of the cases occurred within the Blue Water, 28 in the Eastern region, 146 in the Central region, while 32 took place in the Western region of the Niger Delta.

Meanwhile, 39 persons were said to have been apprehended within the period under review.