NNPC uncovers 63 illegal refineries in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says 63 illegal refineries were discovered and confiscated in one week.

In a documentary on Wednesday, NNPC said the fight against oil theft was yielding results.

The national oil company said about 177 incidents of oil theft were recorded between August 3 and 9 by different incident sources.

According to NNPC, Tantita Security Services recorded four incidents, Shell Petroleum Development Company recorded 11, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) recorded  26. 

NNPC said Maton Engineering Company reported 20 incidents; NNPC 18 Operating Ltd recorded one, NNPC Command and Control Centre recorded 51, and government security agencies reported 64. 

In the past week, NNPC said 19 illegal pipeline connections were recovered, while some underwent repairs across several locations in Bayelsa and River states.

The NNPC said 63 illegal refineries were “discovered and confiscated in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo and Delta states”.

“In the past week, a vandalised barricaded oil wellhead was discovered in Taylor Creek, Bayelsa state,” the national oil company said.

“Stolen crude was discovered in an oil reservoir in Tombia III, IV, and Alesa, in Rivers state.

“17 vehicular arrests were made in communities in Mosogar, Oleh, and Amooe in Delta state, Imiringi in Bayelsa state, Korokoro and Akwa Odogwa in Rivers state, and in Akwa Ibom states.” 

NNPC said 15 wooden boats conveying stolen crude were confiscated in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

The energy firm said 51 of those incidents took place in the deep blue water, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region.

Between August 3 and August 9, NNPC said 16 suspects were arrested.