The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that at least 72 illegal refineries were uncovered within a week across three states: Rivers, Delta, and Abia.
In a video report released by NNPCL, the company detailed the discovery of these illegal refineries and highlighted a significant operation by the military.
On August 18, members of Operation Delta Safe apprehended a vessel with 12 suspects on board in the Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa State.
The NNPCL reported that the tugboat was found carrying stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines.
“The tugboat was caught loaded with stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines, which shows that not only did the thieves break the pipelines in order to connect their pipes, but they also harvested oil pipelines as well,” the NNPC said.
The thieves not only broke into the pipelines to siphon oil but also removed sections of the oil pipelines themselves. The 12 suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.
Additionally, NNPCL disclosed that 46 automatic identification system infractions were recorded at sea, and 24 wooden boats carrying stolen crude were intercepted in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
On land, several vehicles transporting stolen crude oil were also seized in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.
During the same week, 33 illegal oil connections were discovered in the three states.
Eight incidents of oil spills, attributed to vandalism, were recorded, and 12 sites used for storing stolen crude and illegally refined products were uncovered.
“From August 17 to 23, 204 incidents of oil theft were recorded by different incident sources.
“47 of the incidents took place in the deep blue water, 10 in the western region, 100 in the central region and 47 in the eastern region,” it was disclosed.
In connection with these incidents, a total of 42 suspects have been arrested.
