Fight against crude oil theft: Kyari upbeat about security measures to combat crime

Determined to stamp out stemming out the twin evils of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) Mr Mele Kyari, says the company has adopted some security measures.

The measures against the organized economic crime are aimed at increasing the nation’s crude oil production, boosting revenues, and enhancing energy security.

Kyari said the management was committed to winning the battle against crude oil theft.

He stated this on Wednesday in his presentation at the Federation Account Allocation Committee ( FAAC) retreat in Asaba, Delta State.

Kyari restated in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that the company has zero tolerance for crimes that impact negatively on the nation’s energy security.

The NNPC Ltd boss, who was represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Umar Ajiya, said financial integrity remains the fulcrum of the company’s operations, pointing out that its contribution to total national tax revenue was over 40 per cent.

He asserted that NNPC Ltd would continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and all relevant stakeholders.

“Our book remains open to all our stakeholders as we remain committed to delivering value to Nigerians with the height of financial integrity which is deeply rooted in our principles.”

Persecond News reports that the country recorded 172 crude oil thefts from November 11 to 17, 2023 alone, according to a report by the NNPC Ltd via its weekly series: “Energy and You”.

During the period, 67 illegal refineries were discovered in Oowodokpokpo and Obodo-Omadino in Delta State, Ekeremor in Bayelsa State, Ohaji-Egbema in Imo State, Owaza in Abia state, and Emoha in Rivers State.

Additionally, 12 vessels had AIS (Automatic Identification System) infractions, 8 illegal connections were detected in Abia, Imo, and Rivers states, 5 vandalism acts were found, and 5 illegal storage sites were located in Ughelli, Iyede, Olomoro, and Tori in Delta state.

Security agents also uncovered 54 wooden boats used for transporting stolen crude in Delta State, made 18 vehicle arrests in Patani, Kwale, Ughelli, and Abraka in Delta state, and identified three oil spills.

Also during the week inder review, the NNPCL’s report highlighted the arrest of 27 suspects involved in crude oil theft.

Among these incidents, 12 took place in the Deep Blue water, 45 in the Western region, 44 in the Central region, and 71 in the Eastern region within the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta.