NNPC Discovers 63 New Illegal Refineries in 5 States

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has successfully uncovered and seized 63 illegal refineries over the past week. These refineries were hidden across several states including Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta

From August 3 to 9, 2024, NNPCL, alongside security services including Tantita Security, documented 177 instances of oil theft. During this period, security forces also recuperated 19 illegal pipeline connections which were subsequently repaired, primarily in Bayelsa and River states. 

Additionally, a vandalised, barricaded oil wellhead was found in Bayelsa State, and stolen crude was located in oil reservoirs across Rivers State.

Enforcement efforts led to the arrest of 17 vehicles in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states, which were involved in the illicit transport of crude oil. Moreover, authorities confiscated 15 wooden boats that were used to carry stolen crude in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

NNPCL has been breaking down the numbers by region too, with 51 incidents reported in deep blue waters, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region.

The battle against oil theft has become a pressing issue for NNPCL, prompting Mele Kyari, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, to urge the military to continue their vigilant efforts against the scourge of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.