NNPCL Reports 179 Oil Theft Incidents In One Week

NNPCL Reports 179 Oil Theft Incidents In One Week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported the discovery of 179 crude oil theft incidents across the Niger Delta region within a single week…READ MORE…

According to the NNPCL, the cases were recorded between January 11 and 17, 2025, as part of an ongoing collaborative effort involving industry stakeholders and government security agencies to combat crude oil theft and safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure.

In a video released by the company, the incidents included 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illegal refineries uncovered during the period. NNPCL highlighted the role of its Command and Control Centre, in collaboration with Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and security forces, in identifying and addressing these illegal activities.

The report also revealed that security operatives in Bayelsa and Abia States detected and repaired illegal pipeline connections, while operations in Rivers and Abia States dismantled illicit refineries producing black-market petroleum products. Additionally, hidden storage sites used for illegal activities were uncovered and destroyed in Rivers and other parts of Abia.

“Unfortunately, acts of sabotage during the week resulted in several oil spills, including a vandalized condensate pipeline and damaged wellheads in Rivers State,” the NNPCL stated.

On land and waterways, security teams intercepted vehicles and wooden fibre boats carrying stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia States. In total, the incidents were categorized across various corridors: 90 in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in Deep Blue Water.

The company disclosed that 30 suspects were arrested and handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation.

The NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, stating that it remains undeterred in its fight against this menace.

Notably, this surge in oil theft cases follows a report indicating that 128 illegal refineries were discovered in the first two weeks of 2025. Between January 4 and 10, security forces uncovered 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

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