The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL) has said that 122 incidences of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in a week.
It stated that 12 incidences were recorded in the deep blue water; 7 were recorded in the western region of the Niger Delta, 80 were recorded in the Central Region and 23 occurred in the eastern region of the Niger Delta.
This was contained in a video post on its official verified Twitter handle on Tuesday.
It said, “From Okoroma in Bayelsa State to Okirikuru in Delta State, the war on crude oil theft is on and industry-wide security collaboration continues to receive remarkable success.
Between July 29 to August 4, 2023, a total of 122 were recorded. In Elem, Kalabari in Rivers State, an oil spill caused by a vandalised oil wellhead was uncovered. Here in Obodo Omadino in Delta State, a wooden boat was discovered, loading oil directly from the wellhead.
“In other areas, 26 wooden boats conveying stolen crude were seized in Degema, River State, Benikrukru and Koko in Delta State while 24 illegal connections were uncovered in the past week. Most are in Bayelsa State where disconnection and repairs are ongoing. 24 illegal pipeline connections were discovered. 52 illegal refineries were discovered and destroyed in areas such as Degema in River State, Ohaji Egbema in Imo State and Benikrukru in Delta State where thriving illegal businesses have been brought to a halt.
“12 automatic identification system infractions were flagged using NNPC maritime intelligence system and have been escalated to the Navy through NNPC’s incidence management and reporting application. While 6 cases of pipeline vandalism were also recorded and are being repaired. One vessel suspected of carrying stolen crude and AGO stored in different compartments was also intercepted in the past week in Delta State.”
