The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that 179 incidents of crude oil theft were uncovered in just one week, underscoring the ongoing battle against illegal activities in the oil sector.
The company confirmed that the effort to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism remains strong, with increased collaboration across the industry to safeguard critical infrastructure.
In a video released by NNPCL, it was highlighted that the incidents occurred between January 11 and 17 across the Niger Delta region, involving the discovery of 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 in a statement.
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Security forces in Bayelsa and Abia States played a crucial role by uncovering illegal pipeline connections and quickly repairing them. The crackdown continued as operatives dismantled illegal refineries in Rivers and Abia States, which had been producing black-market petroleum products.
Additionally, hidden storage sites used for illicit activities were discovered and destroyed in Rivers and other locations in Abia. However, the NNPC also noted that several acts of sabotage led to oil spills, including a vandalized condensate pipeline and damaged wellheads in Rivers State.
On the road, security teams intercepted and seized vehicles loaded with stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia. Meanwhile, wooden boats packed with stolen crude oil were confiscated on the waterways.
The NNPC’s report also revealed that the 179 incidents spanned various regions, with 90 in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, 5 in the Western Corridor, and 14 in the Deep Blue Water corridor. A total of 30 suspects were arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
So far this year, 128 illegal refineries have been uncovered. Between January 4 and 10, a total of 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illegal refineries were discovered in the Niger Delta.
Oil theft has long been blamed for Nigeria’s struggles to meet its annual oil production targets, further exacerbating the country’s economic challenges.
