By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reported 179 incidents of crude oil theft and vandalism across the Niger Delta region in a single week, as part of its intensified efforts to combat the menace.
The incidents, recorded between January 11 and 17, 2025, were highlighted in a video released by NNPC, showcasing the scale of illegal activities threatening the nation’s hydrocarbon infrastructure. The company disclosed that the discoveries included 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illegal refineries, thanks to coordinated efforts involving NNPC’s Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria LNG, Oando PLC, and government security agencies.
In Bayelsa and Abia states, security forces uncovered illegal pipeline connections, which were promptly repaired to prevent further loss. The crackdown also extended to Rivers and Abia states, where security operatives dismantled illegal refineries producing black-market petroleum products.
The week’s operations revealed hidden storage sites used for illegal activities in Rivers and other parts of Abia, which were exposed and destroyed. However, the NNPC noted that acts of sabotage led to several oil spills, including damage to a condensate pipeline and wellheads in Rivers State.
Security teams intercepted vehicles loaded with stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia states, while wooden fibre boats packed with stolen crude were seized on waterways.
According to the NNPC, the incidents spanned various corridors: 90 in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in Deep Blue Water. A total of 30 suspects were arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, emphasizing that the fight remains ongoing until the menace is entirely eliminated.
The PUNCH reports that 128 illegal refineries have been discovered in the first two weeks of 2025 alone. Between January 4 and 10, security operatives uncovered 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illegal refineries across the Niger Delta.
Oil theft continues to be a significant challenge for Nigeria, undermining efforts to meet its yearly oil production targets and threatening the nation’s economic stability.
