By Ayomide Otitoju
A truck bearing the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has been impounded by security operatives in the Niger Delta for transporting stolen crude oil. This comes amid intensified efforts by security agencies to combat oil theft in the region.
The vehicle, along with several others, was intercepted over the past week as part of a crackdown on illegal oil activities. A video released by the NNPC showed the truck surrounded by both government and private security personnel.
In the same period, the NNPC disclosed that 36 illegal pipeline connections and 99 illegal refineries were discovered. According to the company, the ongoing war against crude oil theft and coordinated efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s hydrocarbon infrastructure have yielded “remarkable progress.”
“Between September 7 and 13, 2024, a total of 218 incidents were recorded across the Niger Delta,” the NNPC report stated. Sources for these incidents included Tantita Security Agency, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, and various government security agencies.
Uncovering Hidden Pipelines and Illegal Refineries
In Rivers State, security forces uncovered four illegal pipelines clandestinely connected to a crude oil line. These connections had been diverting valuable resources from the nation’s economy. Similar illegal operations were exposed in other communities, with security forces neutralising the connections and preventing further losses.
The report also noted the destruction of makeshift refineries processing stolen crude oil, leaving the once-thriving criminal enterprises in ruins. Large reservoirs of stolen crude were discovered in Bayelsa and Rivers States, while hidden storage sites were unearthed in Abia and Akwa Ibom States. In some instances, crude oil stored in polythene bags, ready for distribution on the black market, was found.
Seizing Trucks and Boats Used for Oil Theft
Security operatives intercepted multiple trucks and vehicles carrying stolen crude oil at key locations in Delta State, while arrests were also made in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. The suspects, including drivers, were handed over to authorities for further investigation.
At sea, security forces seized wooden boats typically used for transporting stolen crude oil in Abia and Delta States.
The incidents were spread across different areas of the Niger Delta, with 32 incidents in the western corridor, 61 in the central corridor, 77 in the eastern corridor, and 48 in deep blue waters. A total of 35 suspects were arrested during this period and handed over to the appropriate government agencies.
No Backing Down in the Fight Against Oil Theft
The NNPC reiterated its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, pledging that the crackdown will continue until the menace is permanently addressed.
