The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has intensified its efforts against crude oil theft, uncovering 83 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region. The NNPCL reported the discovery on its official X handle, stating that this was part of its ongoing campaign to combat oil theft.
In addition to the illegal refineries, the company revealed that 15 illegal pipeline connections were identified within the same timeframe. The inspection, covering the period between January 6 and 12, 2023, also reported a total of 211 incidents related to oil theft and vandalism.
NNPCL shared a documentary on X, stating that during an inspection tour, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited Oporoza, Warri, Delta State, to inspect an illegal crude oil vessel named MT Kali. The vessel, intercepted by Tantita Security Services in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, was loading crude oil directly from an offshore platform in Bayelsa State.
All 23 crew members on the illegal vessel have been arrested. The Chief of Defence Staff emphasized the commitment of the military to collaborate with national oil firms and other security agencies to halt crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, emphasizing the need to curb criminal activities affecting the country’s development.
This recent discovery follows the revelation from a week earlier when the NNPCL disclosed 52 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region and uncovered 32 illegal pipeline connections. The continuous efforts by NNPCL indicate a robust approach to addressing the persistent challenges posed by illegal oil-related activities in the region.
