Success Nwogu 
…172 incidences recorded
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPC Ltd) has said that 87 illegal refineries and illegal connections were discovered and destroyed in Nigeria from September 21 to 27; 2024.
It explained that a total of 172 incidences were recorded which comprised 66 illegal refineries, 21 illegal connections, 9 vandalism, 25 arrests of wooden/fibre boats; 11 vehicle arrests, 5 oil spills, 2 illegal storage locations, and 33 vessels AIS infractions.
It added that 61 incidences were recorded in the Central Corridor, 59 in the Eastern Corridor, 19 in the Western Corridor and 33 in deep blue waters.
According to it, these incidences were reported by NNPC Ltd Command and Control Centre, 33; NNPC, 18; Tantita Security Agency, 2; Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), 12; Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), 19; Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, 43; Heirs Energies 2; and Government Security Agencies 60.
These were contained in a video documentary titled: ‘War on crude oil theft,’ posted on NNPC Ltd X and seen by New Telegraph on Tuesday.
It said: “The war on crude oil theft is on and the Industry-wide security collaboration on hydrocarbon infrastructure continues to record remarkable progress. From 21 – 27, 2024, a total of 172 incidences were recorded across the Niger Delta region.
“These incidents were reported by NNPC Ltd Command and Control Centre, NNPC 18, Tantita Security Agency, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL); Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, and Government Security Agencies.
“In the heart of the Niger Delta region, the numbers tell the story of an ongoing struggle. 61 incidences were recorded in the Central Corridor, 59 in the Eastern Corridor, 19 in the Western Corridor and 33 in deep blue waters. The crack team of security forces uncovered a web of illegal connections running deep into the heart of the region.
“From Owaza in Abia State to Bisen 11, Brass and along the Ogbutwewara axis in Bayelsa State, these secret pipelines were shut down, one by one and repairs were made in phases like Odioma, Obioku in Bayelsa State. Security forces struck hard, destroying makeshift refineries that have polluted the land for far too long.
“Also in Rivers State, illegal refineries were wiped out in Ogbutumbi, Bile, Nnanabie, Adaba, Ayamba town and along Boni axis. Security forces uncovered well-hidden illegal storage sites. these hidden hawks of stolen crude oil were exposed in places like Kunsho and West Borma in Bayelsa, Warri and Uwvie in Delta State, Ahoada, Ebocha and Emuga 11 in Rivers State. Each of these sites, once a haven for criminals, were dismantled and destroyed.”
It added: “The week also saw several oil spills that caused environmental devastation in Epu South of Abia, a pipeline gushed crude oil into the surrounding environment polluting the land in Rivers State and other spills created a crude oil reservoir at a pipeline, a visual testament to the harm caused by illegal activities.
“On land in Ebucha and Kirikani, Rivers State, Ogor and Iri in Delta State, vehicles parked with stolen crudes in sacks and plastic bags were intercepted on water, a wooden boat filled with stolen crude oil were intercepted at Ebucha, Ahaoda, Egi 3 and Bile in River State.
“In total 11 suspects were arrested. Their efforts to undermine the nation’s economy and environment were thwarted.”
