NNPCL’s Vigilant Efforts: 83 Illegal Refineries Busted, 22 Suspects Nabbed in Niger Delta Crackdown

In a relentless pursuit against crude oil theft, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) revealed its recent success in uncovering 83 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region over the past week. As part of the crackdown, 22 suspects have been arrested.

The NNPCL, in a statement shared on its official platform on Tuesday, disclosed that 15 illegal pipeline connections were also exposed during the same period. A video accompanying the announcement detailed a staggering 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism reported between January 6 and 12.

In a documentary shared on the platform, the NNPCL reported inspecting an illegal crude oil vessel loaded with thousands of metric tonnes of crude. The vessel, named MT Kali, was intercepted by Tantita Security Services in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps while loading directly from an offshore platform in Bayelsa State.

The Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited Oporoza, Warri, Delta State, to inspect the vessel. All 23 crew members on board the illegal vessel have been apprehended.

General Musa emphasized the military’s commitment to working with national oil firms and other security agencies to curb crude oil theft. He stated, “We are committed to stopping all acts of criminality in Nigerian waters. The country is bleeding, and we need all funds to develop as a nation.”

This recent success follows the NNPCL’s previous revelation of discovering 52 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region a week ago. During that operation, 32 illegal pipeline connections were also uncovered, and the 52 illegal refineries were destroyed in Abia, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa states.

The company reported a total of 157 oil theft incidents between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024, originating from various sources. The crackdown extended to removing and repairing illegal connections along the central corridor in the Niger Delta. Additionally, seven illegal storage sites were uncovered in Akwa Ibom State, where buried drums of crude oil were unearthed.