The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has revealed a startling increase in crude oil theft, with a staggering 112 incidents reported across the Niger Delta in just one week.
According to a documentary released on Tuesday via its X handle, the NNPC documented the thefts between December 23, 2023, and December 29, 2023.
The sources of these incidents include Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Tantita Security Services, Shell Petroleum Development Company, NNPC command and control centre, and various government security agencies.
During the same period, NNPC uncovered and dismantled 42 illegal refineries in locations such as Konsho, Tebidaba, Obokofia, Ogidigben, Mereje, Obodo Omadina, Umuire, and Upata.
Additionally, 14 illegal connections were exposed, a tunnel covering an illegal connection was found in Owaza, Abia state, and 10 cases of vandalism were discovered.
NNPC’s efforts resulted in the arrest of 18 suspects between the 23rd and 26th of December, 2023, with 11 vehicle arrests made during operations in Delta state.
