Abuja, Jan. 23, 2025 – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited uncovered 179 incidents of crude oil theft in just one week in the Niger delta region.
According to a video released by the NNPC, the incidents were recorded between Jan 11 and Jan,17. 2025 and had 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illegal refineries.
“Between the 11th and 17th of January 2025, a total of 179 incidents were recorded across the Niger Delta region, thanks to the coordinated efforts of NNPC Limited’s Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited Nigeria, Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and government security agencies,” the NNPC said.
It said the security forces in Bayelsa and Abia states also uncovered illegal pipeline connections and swiftly conducted repairs on them.
NNPC said the security operatives dismantled illegal refineries producing black-market petroleum products in Rivers and Abia states.
It said hidden storage sites used for illegal activities in Rivers and other locations in Abia were also uncovered.
“Security forces exposed and destroyed these sites. Unfortunately, acts of sabotage led to several oil spills during the week, including a vandalised condensate pipeline and damaged wellheads in Rivers,” it said.
NNPC said security teams on the road also intercepted and seized vehicles loaded with stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia, while wooden fibre boats packed with stolen crude oil were confiscated on the waterways.
A total of 30 suspects were arrested and handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
The NNPC said its resolve remained unshaken and promised that the fight against crude oil theft would continue until the menace is eradicated.
