NNPC intensifies crackdown on oil theft, records 179 incidents in a week

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported the discovery of 179 oil theft incidents between January 11 and 17, 2025.

This revelation highlights the ongoing war against oil theft, a persistent threat to Nigeria’s economy. According to a video released by NNPCL, the incidents occurred across the Niger Delta region, with security forces uncovering 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illegal refineries within the period.

According to NNPCL, “Between the 11th and 17th of January 2025, a total of 179 oil theft operations were thwarted 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.”

NNPCL credited the success to collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders, including Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Oando PLC, and government security agencies. These partnerships were bolstered by the company’s Command and Control Centre, which provides real-time monitoring and intelligence.

The incidents were widespread, with 90 recorded in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in the Deep Blue Water. Security teams in Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia States dismantled illegal refineries, repaired vandalized pipelines, and confiscated vehicles and wooden boats used to transport stolen crude oil.

“Security forces exposed and destroyed these sites. Unfortunately, acts of sabotage led to several oil spills during the week, including a vandalised condensate pipeline and damaged wellheads in Rivers”

Thirty suspects were arrested during the week and handed over to security agencies for further investigation. This marks a significant step in bringing perpetrators to justice.

Oil theft continues to undermine Nigeria’s oil production targets. Earlier in January, between the 4th and 10th, 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illegal refineries were uncovered, bringing the total number of illegal refineries discovered this year to 128.

NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating oil theft, emphasizing that the fight is far from over. With an industrywide push and government backing, the company expressed optimism about safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil and gas assets.

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