Recent revelations from two documentaries released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have exposed a staggering 389 incidents of crude oil theft within a span of just 14 days.
The documentaries shed light on the collaborative efforts between security operatives and surveillance contractor Tantita Security Services Limited in combating oil theft.
The first documentary covered the period between November 18 and 24, while the second documented incidents from November 23 to December 1.
The recorded incidents were categorized as follows: 23 cases in deep blue water, 86 incidents in the Western region, 141 incidents in the Eastern region, and 139 incidents in the Central region.
These operations led to the identification of 87 illegal connections and the discovery of 146 illegal refineries. The reports disclosed that 24 vehicles and 96 wooden boats were seized during this period.
The documentaries also highlighted the extensive impact of these operations, emphasizing the destruction of illegal markets where stolen crude is traded. Notably, a market at Niger CAT Junction in Warri, Delta State, was demolished.
Specific incidents mentioned in the documentaries included the discovery of illegal connection points on Trans Escravos and Anukpe – Escravos pipelines in Udaibo and Mereje, Delta State, respectively. Stacks of stolen crude oil were found in Koroama, Bayelsa State, and drums containing stolen crude were discovered in Warri. Additionally, various incidents of oil theft, dumpsites, and sacks of crude oil were found in Alo, Iba, and Isiokpo, Delta State.
The documentaries also revealed that during the past week, 11 vehicles laden with stolen crude were apprehended in Delta and Rivers states. Furthermore, 41 wooden boats transporting stolen crude were seized and confiscated in Bayelsa State.
The persistent challenges in the fight against crude oil theft were underscored by the recording of 226 incidents across the Niger Delta, leading to the discovery and destruction of 77 illegal refineries in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Imo states. The reports also detailed 39 illegal connections, 21 cases of pipeline vandalism, and five cases of oil spills during this period.
Despite the extensive efforts, the oil firm acknowledged the arrest of 16 suspects and expressed its unwavering commitment, stating, “For NNPC Ltd, there is no backing down on the war on crude oil theft until the menace is eradicated for good.”
