metro
NNPCL uncovers 83 illegal refineries in one week
NNPCL uncovers 83 illegal refineries in one week
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said it has in the past week uncovered no fewer than 83 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.
The NNPCL disclosed this on its X handle on Tuesday, adding that 15 illegal pipeline connections were also discovered within the same period.
“In the past week, 15 illegal pipeline connections and 83 illegal refineries have been uncovered in the Niger Delta,” the NNPCL said.
According to a video shared with the post, it was disclosed that between January 6 and 12, a total of 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism were reported.
Seven cases of vandalism were recorded including a wellhead in the Umuajuloke community in Rivers State.
In Owerri, it was said that an active wellhead was found with several illegal connections.
It was also learnt that nine cases of oil spills were recorded in the week, mostly caused by vandalism, adding that Ogboinbiri in Bayelsa State has been ruined by oil spills.
“83 illegal connections were spotted in Rivers, Abia, Imo and Bayelsa States.
READ ALSO:
- JUST IN: 4 Pupils crushed beyond recognition as commercial bus driver loses control in Osun
- Ukraine military destroys Russian A-50 spy plane – Army chief
- Man begins 458km trip on bicycle from Yobe to congratulate Kano Gov
“In Abia, a drone shot showed pockets of illegal refineries in Owaza, while illegal oil connections were discovered in Olodiama, Bayelsa State and Obuzor in Abia State,” the NNPCL informed.
Five illegal oil storage sites were reportedly found in Central Boma and Cocoa Camp in Bayelsa State, while sacks of crude oil were found in Iba Rivers State and the contents confiscated.
Also, 60 wooden and fibre boats were said to have been apprehended in Akwa Ibom, Delta State, and Rivers State.
Eight of these incidents reportedly took place in the deep blue water, 54 in the Western Region, 81 in the Central region and 68 in the Eastern region
So far, the NPPCL said 22 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
No fewer than 157 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta between December 30, 2023 and January 5, 2024.
NNPCL said the cases were recorded from several incidence sources like Nigeria Agip Oil, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Limited, Tantita Security Services Limited, NNPCL Command and Control Centre, Shell Petroleum Development Company and government security agencies.
Though the NNPCL has stressed that there is no backing down against crude oil theft, it appears oil thieves are not moved.
The Federal Government had revealed that more than N4.3tn worth of crude oil was stolen in 7,143 pipeline vandalism cases within five years.
NNPCL uncovers 83 illegal refineries in one week
metro
Police inspector kills one, injures two, holds colleagues hostage in Calabar
Police inspector kills one, injures two, holds colleagues hostage in Calabar
A Police Inspector, identified as Effiong Bassey, went on a rampage in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday morning, killing a 41-year-old civilian, Mrs. Ijoema Obot, and injuring two others.
The incident occurred around 6:00 AM after Inspector Bassey returned from night duty at a Microfinance Bank in Calabar South to the Atakpa Divisional Police Station.
According to reports, upon his return, he refused to surrender his AK-47 rifle, instead cocking the weapon and threatening to shoot his colleagues.
A security source, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the officer blocked the station’s gate, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the facility.
“Inspector Bassey started behaving strangely, acting hostile and erratic after returning from duty. All efforts to disarm him through peaceful dialogue failed,” the source revealed.
READ ALSO:
- Fresh explosion rocks gas facility in Rivers
- Presidency blasts Jonathan, Soyinka over comments on emergency rule in Rivers
- Police confirm release of kidnapped naval officer
As the situation escalated, tactical police teams were mobilized to intervene. However, upon seeing them, Bassey panicked and began shooting indiscriminately.
During the chaos, the inspector shot three individuals, including Mrs. Ijoema Obot, the wife of a retired police officer.
“Mrs. Obot was confirmed dead at the Police Clinic, while the two injured victims are currently receiving treatment,” sources said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo, assured the public that the situation was under control.
Police inspector kills one, injures two, holds colleagues hostage in Calabar
metro
Fresh explosion rocks gas facility in Rivers
Fresh explosion rocks gas facility in Rivers
Just days after a massive blast occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, another explosion has been reported at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots environmental group with extensive networks in the Niger Delta, confirmed the incident on Sunday.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC said it received reports from its youth volunteers about the early morning explosion at the facility, which is operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.
According to the statement: “An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to reach. The fire is still ongoing as of the time of this report.”
READ ALSO:
- Presidency blasts Jonathan, Soyinka over comments on emergency rule in Rivers
- Police confirm release of kidnapped naval officer
- SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘unlawful suspension of Fubara, Rivers lawmakers’
The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.
This marks the third explosion at an oil facility in Rivers State within a week. The first was in Ogoni, while the second occurred in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area—an incident referenced by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 nationwide address, where he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state.
In response, the President suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing alleged failure to protect vital oil infrastructure.
The decision followed threats made in a viral video by some youths warning against the impeachment of Governor Fubara.
YEAC-Nigeria has urged authorities to launch an immediate investigation into the explosion at the Soku facility. The group also called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause.
“Perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” the statement concluded.
Fresh explosion rocks gas facility in Rivers
metro
Presidency blasts Jonathan, Soyinka over comments on emergency rule in Rivers
Presidency blasts Jonathan, Soyinka over comments on emergency rule in Rivers
The presidency has condemned the remarks made by former president Goodluck Jonathan and literary icon Wole Soyinka on the State of Emergency declared by Bola Tinubu in Rivers.
Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity said, it is important for Jonathan and Soyinka to know that President Tinubu has a nation to govern.
Stating that the remarks made by both leaders can only be regarded as personal opinions, Ajayi insisted that the president exercised his constitutional power in declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
READ ALSO:
- Police confirm release of kidnapped naval officer
- SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘unlawful suspension of Fubara, Rivers lawmakers’
- Wike’s aide reveals PDP leaders responsible for HQ land revocation
Continuing, Ajayi said Tinubu as Nigeria’s president has been saddled with the responsibility of preserving the existence of Nigeria.
He said the president would not give room to any form of crisis that could drag the nation into chaos.
“President Tinubu has a country to govern, and he has exercised his power under the 1999 Constitution as amended.
President Tinubu has a duty to preserve the corporate existence of Nigeria. He won’t allow any part of the country or state to descend into chaos.
“The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country,” Ajayi stated.
Presidency blasts Jonathan, Soyinka over comments on emergency rule in Rivers
-
metro2 days ago‘We’re not hiring,’ NNPC denies viral recruitment adverts
-
metro1 day agoNatasha: Court blocks recall attempt, stops INEC
-
Sports1 day agoOdegbami speaks on Osimhen breaking his 44-year goals record
-
metro2 days agoMore trouble brews in Rivers as Ijaw congress considers self-determination option
-
Entertainment1 day agoI didn’t snatch Asake’s mother from her husband -Musibau Alani
-
Sports2 days ago2026 WCQ: Super Eagles move up to third place with 2-0 win in Rwanda
-
metro1 day agoBoko Haram attacks military base in Adamawa
-
Sports2 days agoOsimhen breaks Odegbami’s Eagles goal record