Success Nwogu 
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, nine vandalism, 25 arrest of wooden/fiber boats; 11 vehicle arrests, five oil spills, two 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 NNPCL, these incidences were reported by company’s 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 yesterday. 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 incidences 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 hideen 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 costs environmental devastation in Epu South of Abia, a pipe line 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.
