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NNPC Reports Seizure of 63 Illegal Refineries in One Week

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 15th, 2024.

NNPC Reports Seizure of 63 Illegal Refineries in One Week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced the seizure of 63 illegal refineries within the past week, highlighting progress in the ongoing battle against oil theft.

According to a recent report, the effort to combat illicit oil activities is showing tangible results. Between August 3 and 9, various sources documented approximately 177 incidents of oil theft. These included reports from Tantita Security Services (4), Shell Petroleum Development Company (11), Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (26), Maton Engineering Company (20), NNPC 18 Operating Ltd (1), NNPC Command and Control Centre (51), and government security agencies (64).

During this period, authorities recovered 19 illegal pipeline connections and conducted repairs at multiple sites in Bayelsa and Rivers States. In addition, illegal refineries were dismantled in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States. A vandalized and barricaded oil wellhead was also discovered in Bayelsa, and stolen crude was found in reservoirs in Rivers State.

The NNPC reported 17 vehicle seizures in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States, and confiscated 15 wooden boats used for transporting stolen crude in Rivers and Bayelsa. Of the recorded incidents, 51 occurred in deep blue waters, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region.

Furthermore, 16 individuals were apprehended in connection with these illegal activities over the past week.

The FIRST CLASS GISTS highlights that crude oil theft continues to be a significant issue in Nigeria’s oil sector, hampering efforts to increase production. Recently, billionaire Tony Elumelu criticized the government and security agencies, urging them to identify and address those responsible for oil theft. Elumelu noted that this problem has contributed to the withdrawal of international oil companies from Nigeria, sharing that criminal gangs have been stealing about 18 percent of production from his pipelines. He emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in addressing oil theft.