The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has revealed the discovery of 72 illegal crude oil refining sites over the past week. These refineries were located and dismantled in Rivers, Delta, and Abia states, according to a recent video report by the company.
Additionally, on August 18, a vessel carrying stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines was intercepted in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects. The NNPC reported that these individuals are now under investigation.
The NNPC also recorded 46 vessel automatic identification system infractions at sea and apprehended 24 wooden boats transporting stolen crude in Rivers and Bayelsa States. On land, vehicles loaded with stolen crude were seized in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
In the week from August 17 to 23, 33 illegal oil connections were discovered, and there were eight oil spills resulting from vandalism. Twelve sites used for storing stolen and illegally refined crude were uncovered. The report noted a total of 204 oil theft incidents, with 47 in deep blue water, 10 in the western region, 100 in the central region, and 47 in the eastern region. A total of 42 suspects have been arrested in connection with these incidents.
