By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has uncovered 58 illegal refineries and 19 unauthorized pipeline connections in a sweeping operation across the Niger Delta.
In a video documentary released Tuesday on its official YouTube channel, NNPC Ltd reported a total of 159 incidents of oil theft between January 18 and 24, 2025. The operations led to the arrest of 25 suspects and the discovery of multiple illicit oil installations.
“An industry-wide security collaboration to safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure continues to yield remarkable results,” the broadcast stated.
The crackdown was carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including NNPC Ltd’s Command and Control Centre, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, Maton Engineering Nigeria Ltd, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Oando PLC, and various government security agencies.
This development follows a similar operation a week earlier, during which 55 illegal refineries and 29 unauthorized pipeline connections were exposed.
Major Oil Theft Incidents
Among the significant breaches, NNPC Ltd highlighted an attack on the Oando-to-NLNG Bonny gas pipeline system in Rivers State, which resulted in a gas supply disruption to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Additionally, vandalism of crude oil and condensate pipelines was detected in the Ikenzi and Oruma areas of Bayelsa State.
Similar incidents were recorded in Ugu, Edo State; Ipu South, Abia State; and at a wellhead in Buguma, Rivers State. The company confirmed that all illegal connections had been dismantled and necessary repairs completed.
Illegal refineries were also discovered in Bille, Bonny, Oigu, Okoloma, Ayama, and Ward 7, Dema Abe—all in Rivers State.
Breakdown of Oil Theft Incidents
A regional analysis of the 159 recorded cases showed:
Western Corridor: 7 incidents
Central Corridor: 72 incidents
Eastern Corridor: 41 incidents
Deep Blue Waters: 39 incidents
NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to combating crude oil theft, stating that its resolve to eliminate the menace remains steadfast.
