The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd. has reported that there were 157 instances of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024.
The announment was shared on the weekly TV show called “Energy and You,” which is broadcast on the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).
The incidents reported include activities such as illegal refineries, unauthorized connections, oil spills, illegal storage sites, and pipeline vandalism. The report also reveals that there were 52 cases of illegal refineries discovered, 32 instances of unauthorized connections to pipelines, 25 cases of pipeline vandalism, 2 incidents of oil spills, and 3 cases of vessel infractions.
The NNPCL states that these incidents were reported by various entities, including oil companies like AGIP and SPDC, as well as government and private security agencies like Tantita and the NNPCL Command and Control Centre.
According to the report, a total of 52 illegal refineries were found and destroyed in Owazza, Oguzor, Ohaji-Egbema, Omoku, and other communities in Abia, Imo, and Rivers states, as well as Bayelsa state.
Additionally, illegal connections were discovered in Olodiama and other communities in Bayelsa State, as well as Udu in Delta State. The NNPCL also reported the vandalization of oil well heads in Okrika and Ebocha in Rivers State.
Out of all the recorded incidents of crude oil theft, nine occurred in deep water, while the majority of cases (95 and 45 cases, respectively) were reported in the Central and Eastern regions of the Niger Delta.
