NNPC discovers 54 illegal pipeline connections, 78 unlicensed refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited said 234 incidences of illegal connections, refineries, amongst others, were recorded in several oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region between September 9 to 15, 2023.

NNPC said the total incidences recorded were higher compared with the 148 incidences of illegal connections and refineries reported between September 2 to 8, 2023.

At the time, the oil firm said, eight illicit pipeline connections and unlawful refineries were uncovered.

However, in its weekly war on crude oil documentary aired on NTA on Tuesday, NNPC said 54 illegal connections to major pipelines and 78 unlicensed refineries, were uncovered last week.

The organisation said the locations of the illegal connections were in Oraji, Egbema, in Imo state; Sambari and Egorobiri in Rivers; and Obodo, Omadina in Delta.

According to NNPC, the illegal connections, which were placed underground, were attached to major pipelines.

NNPC said five cases of oil spills were recorded and three vehicles were arrested.

The company said 78 illegal refineries were destroyed in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa states, while 43 cases of pipeline vandalism were recorded in the past week.

Other incidents recorded during the week include the arrest of 42 wooden boats in Igbeno area of Akwa Ibom, Obodo Omadino in Delta, Bolo in Rivers.

NNPC added that nine vessels’ automatic identification system (AIS) infractions were recorded.