The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, said it recorded at least 214 incidents of oil theft in the past week.
NNPCL also disclosed it uncovered 72 illegal refineries across the oil-rich Niger Delta between January 13 to 19, 2024.
In a video documentary it released on Tuesday, January 23, NNPCL disclosed that between January 13 and 19, 214 incidences of oil theft were recorded from various incidence sources.
“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,” NNPCL said.
42 illegal oil connections were said to have been uncovered in 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 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 said to be discovered in Oporomor Bayelsa, Obuzor in Abia and Ohaji/Egbema in Imo state.
NNPCL also informed that 49 wooden boats conveying stolen crude were arrested and confiscated in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, adding that eight cases of Vessel AIS infractions and seven cases of vehicles conveying stolen crude were made in Delta
Eight of the cases, according to oil company, occurred within the Blue Water, 28 in the Eastern region, 146 in the Central region and 32 took place in the Western region of the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, 39 persons were said to be apprehended within the period under review, even as the NNPCL threatened not to give up in the war against oil theft.
157 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta between December 30, 2023 and January 5, 2024.
Also, between January 6 and 12, a total of 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism occurred, with no fewer than 83 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.
