The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has stated that it uncovered and destroyed 82 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta between February 10 and 15, 2024.
The NNPCL also said on Tuesday that 223 incidents were recorded in the past week by several sources.
According to a short video released on Tuesday, an oil pit feeding directly from an oil source was discovered in Okrika, Rivers State, with several pipelines conveying crude into the pit.
“20 illegal connections were discovered across several locations in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States. A cluster of illegal refineries were discovered in various locations across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Abia.
“In the past week, 82 illegal refineries were discovered and destroyed,” NNPCL disclosed.
It was added that several illegal storage sites were discovered across the Niger Delta region, while sacks and cans containing stolen crude oil were discovered in Rivers and Edo States.
Vandalised well heads and pipelines were also said to have been spotted in Rivers and Bayelsa, while 13 vehicles conveying crude were also arrested in Warri, Delta State.
The NNPCL added that 83 wooden and fibre boats conveying stolen crude oil were arrested in Rivers.
According to the state-owned firm, eight of the incidents reportedly took place in the deep blue water, 32 in the western region, 123 in the central region, and 60 in the eastern part of the Niger Delta.
It revealed that 52 suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents in the past week.
The PUNCH reports that cases of oil theft keep increasing despite efforts by both private and government efforts to tame the tide.
It has been identified as one of the factors responsible for Nigeria’s dwindling daily oil production.
NNPCL, however, said it would not rest until it rids the country of oil theft and vandalism.
