NNPCL uncovers 34 illegal refineries, 17 illegal pipeline connections in one week

NNPCL uncovers 34 illegal refineries, 17 illegal pipeline connections in one week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said it uncovered at least 34 illegal refineries and 17 illegal pipeline connections in one week across the Niger Delta region.

In a video documentary posted on the official YouTube channel of the NNPCL, the company said the illicit activities were busted in a series of operations between November 30 and December 6.

“This was achieved by the joint efforts of NNPCL command and control Centres, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, OANDO PLC, New Guard Security and Consultancy Limited, and government security agencies,” the broadcast says.

The national oil company noted that it recorded a total of 94 oil theft incidents in parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia States.

“In a series of coordinated operations, illegal pipelines were discovered and dismantled at key hotspots – Ogboingbiri, Ejehinkiri, Alabelema in Bayelsa state. 

“And Okrika 7 in Rivers state witnessed swift action as security forces uncovered illicit setup used by perpetrators to exploit Nigeria’s resources.  

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“Repairs were carried out promptly restoring the pipelines to full functionality and fortifying the nation’s hydrocarbon infrastructure.”

“The Crackdown didn’t stop there. Illegal refineries met their end in Ebocha, umuajuloke community, Okrika 7, and Kumkum in Rivers State, as well as Ukwa, Uzuaku, Oza West, Odogwa, Obuzor, Oandu in Abia State and Bizeni in Bayelsa state.” 

It was also reported that a massive illegal storage site was uncovered in Okrika 7 of River State where officials found crude oil stored in sacks ready for the black market.

Illegal crude oil storages were also reportedly discovered in Igi 3, Ibudiya 1, Eborcha, and Ukua.

“The destruction of these sites serve as a Stern warning – no haven exists for crude oil theft in Nigeria,” the company noted.

Wooden fiber boats carrying stolen crude oil were also reported seized on waterways at igi 4 and Okoloma in River State and Ukwua in ABIA State. Thereafter, they were destroyed.

The NNPCL disclosed that a total of 19 suspects were apprehended and handed over to government security agencies for investigation.

Highlighting the locations of recoveries in the Niger Delta region, the NNPCL noted that “the week’s incidents paned key corridors – 39 in the central Corridor, 41 in the Eastern Corridor, four in the western Corridor, and 10 in deep blue water.” 

The national oil company stressed its commitment to ending the chronic crude oil theft in the country.

 

NNPCL uncovers 34 illegal refineries, 17 illegal pipeline connections in one week