NNPC uncovers 72 illegal refineries in one week

NNPC uncovers 72 illegal refineries in one week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says 72 illegal refineries were uncovered within a week in Rivers, Delta and Abia states.

A video report released by the NNPCL detailed the discovery of the illegal refineries.

On August 18, members of Operation Delta Safe apprehended a vessel with 12 suspects on board in the Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa State.

The NNPCL, according to a report by The PUNCH, said the tugboat was found carrying stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines.

“The tugboat was caught loaded with stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines, which shows that not only did the thieves break the pipelines in order to connect their pipes, but they also harvested oil pipelines as well,” the NNPC said.

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The thieves reportedly broke into the pipelines to siphon oil and removed sections of the oil pipelines themselves. The 12 suspects are currently in custody for further investigation.

Additionally, NNPCL said 46 automatic identification system infractions were recorded at sea, and 24 wooden boats carrying stolen crude were intercepted in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

On land, several vehicles transporting stolen crude oil were also seized in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.

During the same week, 33 illegal oil connections were discovered in the three states.

Eight incidents of oil spills, attributed to vandalism, were recorded, and 12 sites used for storing stolen crude and illegally refined products were uncovered.

“From August 17 to 23, 204 incidents of oil theft were recorded by different incident sources.

“47 of the incidents took place in the deep blue water, 10 in the western region, 100 in the central region and 47 in the eastern region,” it was disclosed.

In connection with these incidents, a total of 42 suspects have been arrested.

NNPC uncovers 72 illegal refineries in one week