The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced the discovery and seizure of 63 additional illegal refineries over the past week. A documentary highlighted that efforts to combat oil theft are producing positive outcomes.
NNPC reported that between August 3 and 9, 177 incidents were recorded from various sources, including Tantita Security Services (4), Shell Petroleum Development Company (11), Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (26), Maton Engineering Company (20), NNPC 18 Operating Ltd (1), NNPC Command and Control Centre (51), and government security agencies (64).
During the week in question, 19 illegal pipeline connections were recovered, with some undergoing repairs in Bayelsa and Rivers States. The NNPC also noted that the 63 illegal refineries were confiscated across Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States.
Additionally, a vandalized, barricaded oil wellhead was found in Bayelsa State, and stolen crude oil was discovered in reservoirs in Rivers State. The state-owned company confirmed that 17 vehicular arrests were made in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States. Furthermore, 15 wooden boats transporting stolen crude were seized in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
NNPC detailed that 51 of the recorded incidents occurred in deep blue waters, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region. At least 16 suspects were apprehended in connection with these incidents during the past week.
Oil theft remains a significant issue in the upstream sector, hampering Nigeria’s ability to increase production. Recently, billionaire Tony Elumelu commented that Nigerian authorities and security agencies should identify those responsible for stealing the country’s crude oil, particularly using vessels that pass through territorial waters.
Elumelu revealed that this issue has contributed to the divestment of international oil companies from Nigeria. Speaking to the Financial Times, he shared that criminal gangs have been siphoning off 18% of crude from his pipelines, making it clear that the scale of theft is far beyond minor theft. He emphasized the need for the government and security forces to take action, stating, “This is oil theft, not stealing a bottle of Coke. The government should know who is responsible.”
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