The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has disclosed that an additional 63 illegal refineries were discovered and closed in the past week. The company’s documentary revealed that the ongoing efforts to combat oil theft are yielding positive results.
According to the NNPC, a total of 177 incidents were recorded between August 3 and 9, with various sources reporting the incidents, including 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 the week under review, the NNPC reported that 19 illegal pipeline connections were discovered, and repairs were carried out across several locations in Bayelsa and River States. The NNPC further stated that 63 illegal refineries were discovered and closed in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta States.
Additionally, a vandalized barricaded oil wellhead was discovered in Bayelsa State. The NNPC also reported that stolen crude was discovered in oil reservoirs in Rivers State. Furthermore, 17 vehicular arrests were made in communities in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States, and 15 wooden boats conveying stolen crude were confiscated in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
The deep blue water, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stated that no fewer than 16 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents in the past week.
Recently, renowned businessman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, remarked that the government and security agents in Nigeria should be able to provide the Nigerian public with information regarding the individuals responsible for stealing the country’s crude oil, especially those utilizing vessels that move through the territorial waters. He stated that this menace has contributed to the divestment of international oil companies in Nigeria.
Elumelu further mentioned that he discovered firsthand why international oil companies were partly divesting from onshore assets after criminal gangs began stealing crude from his pipelines. Speaking with the reporters, Elumelu stated that oil thieves still take away 18 percent of crude from his field.
He explained, “42,000 barrels of crude are pumped out daily. Theft still takes away about 18 percent of production. This is oil theft; we are not talking about stealing a bottle of Coke that you can put in your pocket. The government should know; they should inform the public.” Elumelu drew a comparison, stating, “Look at America — Donald Trump was shot at, and quickly they knew the background of who shot him.”
