The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the discovery and confiscation of 63 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta within the past week.
The state-owned firm disclosed this development in a recent documentary highlighting its ongoing efforts against oil theft in the region.
The illegal refineries were found across Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Delta states, with security operatives, including Tantita Security Services, recording 177 incidents of oil theft between August 3 and 9, 2024.
In addition to the uncovered refineries, NNPCL reported that 19 illegal pipeline connections were recovered and some were repaired in various locations across Bayelsa and Rivers states. The company also noted the discovery of a vandalized barricaded oil wellhead in Bayelsa State, along with stolen crude oil reservoirs in Rivers State.
Further efforts by security agencies led to 17 vehicular arrests in communities across Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states, as well as the confiscation of 15 wooden boats transporting stolen crude oil in Rivers and Bayelsa.
This recent crackdown on illegal refineries comes on the heels of a similar discovery in June, where 165 illegal refineries were uncovered in the Niger Delta.
The continued loss from oil theft has significantly impacted Nigeria’s revenue, with the country’s crude oil production falling short of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, has urged the military to maintain its efforts in combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.
