The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered 34 illegal refineries and 17 unauthorized pipeline connections across the Niger Delta region within a week. This revelation was made in a video documentary shared on NNPCL’s official YouTube channel, detailing operations conducted from November 30 to December 6.
The coordinated efforts involved NNPCL’s command and control centers alongside Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, OANDO PLC, New Guard Security and Consultancy Limited, and various government security agencies.
During the operations, NNPCL recorded 94 oil theft incidents in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia States. Key hotspots such as Ogboingbiri, Ejehinkiri, and Alabelema in Bayelsa State witnessed dismantling of illegal pipelines, while swift interventions in Okrika 7, Rivers State, halted illicit activities threatening Nigeria’s hydrocarbon infrastructure.
NNPCL also reported extensive raids on illegal refinery sites in Ebocha, Umuajuloke, and Kumkum in Rivers State; Ukwa, Uzuaku, and Oza West in Abia State; and Bizeni in Bayelsa State. A massive crude oil storage facility was uncovered in Okrika 7, Rivers State, with crude oil stored in sacks intended for black market distribution. Similar discoveries were made in locations like Igi 3, Ibudiya 1, and Ukua.
The company emphasized that these operations send a strong message: crude oil theft will not be tolerated in Nigeria. Wooden fiber boats carrying stolen crude oil were seized and destroyed in waterways at Igi 4, Okoloma in Rivers State, and Ukwua in Abia State.
NNPCL disclosed that 19 suspects were apprehended during the crackdown and handed over to security agencies for further investigation. The company also provided a detailed breakdown of recoveries across the Niger Delta, noting 39 incidents in the Central Corridor, 41 in the Eastern Corridor, four in the Western Corridor, and 10 in deep blue waters.
Reaffirming its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, NNPCL highlighted its ongoing efforts to secure the nation’s energy resources and restore the integrity of its hydrocarbon infrastructure.