NNPC records 218 incidents of crude oil theft in one week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says 218 incidents of oil theft were recorded across the Niger Delta region.

In a documentary posted on its X handle on Tuesday, NNPC said the incidents occurred between September 7 and September 13.

NNPC said various oil companies recorded the incidents including Tantita Security Agency, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Oando Plc, NNPC Limited Command and Control Centre, and government security agencies. 

“At Usomini II, in Rivers state, four illegal pipelines cleverly hidden and connected to a crude oil line were exposed. These pipelines had been siphoning off precious resources from the nation’s coffers,” NNPC said.

“Similar illegal operations were uncovered in Akwa Odogwa and Umuajuloke communities in Rivers state. Swift actions from security forces neutralised these illicit connections, preventing further losses. 

“Makeshift refineries used to process stolen crude in Ajuloke community were demolished in an aggressive crackdown. The site in Obibi/Ajuloke, Asa, Akwa Odogwa, Okarki, and Umuajuloke once filling criminal enterprises now lay in ruins.”

The national oil company said large reservoirs of stolen crude were found in Bayelsa and Rivers states. 

“Illegal storage sites were discovered in Obuzor, Abia state and Eket, Akwa Ibom state. Here, crude was concealed in polythene bags, awaiting distribution to the black market,” NNPC said.

“On land, security personnel intercepted several trucks and vehicles carrying stolen crude oil at key locations at Ndokwa, Jeremi II, and Jere in Delta state.

“Arrest were also made in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, and Ebocha in Rivers state, with the drivers handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation. 

“On water, security personnel seized wooden boats, commonly used for transporting stolen crude oil in Ukwa and Ubuzor in Abia state as well as in Obodo, Delta state.”

The national oil company said the incidents occurred across different corridors.

According to NNPC, 32 were in the western corridor, 61 were in the central corridor, 77 in the eastern corridor, and 48 in the deep blue water.

In total, NNPC said 35 suspects were arrested during the period, all of whom have been handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.