Crude oil theft cases continue inexorably as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.(NNPC Ltd) says it has recorded at least 214 incidents of oil theft in the past one week.
In a video documentary released by the national oil company on its official ‘X’ handle on Tuesday, it declared to have uncovered 72 illegal refineries across the oil-rich Niger Delta between January 13 and 19.
In the visual report, it was revealed that between the 13th and 19th of January 2024, 214 incidences (of oil theft) were recorded from various incidence spots in the Niger Delta.
“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.
“42 illegal oil connections were said to have been uncovered in the Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
“Also, 26 cases of vandalism were reported in the past week in Rivers and Imo, some of which are being repaired. Two cases of oil spills 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.
“Significantly, sacks of oil were reportedly discovered in Oporomor, Bayelsa; Obuzor, Abia; and Ohaji/Egbema, Imo.”
The national oil company further disclosed that 49 wooden boats carrying stolen crude were seized and confiscated in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers. Additionally, eight cases of vessel AIS infractions and seven cases of vehicles transporting stolen crude were recorded in Delta.
Theliberationnews also noted from the report that eight cases occurred within the Blue Water, 28 in the Eastern region, 146 in the Central region, and 32 in the Western region of the Niger Delta.
In addition, 39 individuals were reportedly apprehended during this period as NNPC Ltd reiterated its commitment to combating oil theft.
Investigations have shown that no fewer than 157 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024.
The crude oil thefts were recorded from sources including Nigeria Agip Oil, 62; Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, 29; Maton Engineering Limited, 18; Tantita Security Services Limited, 8; NNPC Ltd Command and Control Centre, 2; Shell Petroleum Development Company, 4; and government security agencies, 34.
