NNPCL uncovers 83 illegal refineries in Niger Delta in one week 

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the national oil company on its official ‘X’ handle, stating that a total of 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism took place between January 6 and 12.

Seven cases of vandalism, including a wellhead in the Umuajuloke community in Rivers State, were recorded. In addition, an active wellhead with multiple illegal connections was discovered in Owerri.

According to the visual post: “In the past week, 15 illegal pipeline connections and 83 illegal refineries have been uncovered in the Niger Delta.

“83 illegal connections were spotted in Rivers, Abia, Imo and Bayelsa States.

“In Abia, a drone shot showed pockets of illegal refineries in Owaza, while illegal oil connections were discovered in Olodiama, Bayelsa State and Obuzor in Abia State.”

Throughout the week, nine cases of oil spills, mostly caused by vandalism were also recorded.

The damage caused by oil spills was particularly evident in Ogboinbiri, Bayelsa State.

The NNPCL disclosed that the illegal connections were found in Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Bayelsa States.

Instances of illegal refineries were observed in Owaza, Abia State through a drone shot and in Olodiama, Bayelsa State, and Obuzor, Abia State, through illegal oil connections.

Furthermore, five illegal oil storage sites were found in Central Boma and Cocoa Camp in Bayelsa State, and sacks of crude oil were confiscated in Iba, Rivers State.

In addition, 60 wooden and fibre boats were impounded in Akwa Ibom State, Delta State, and Rivers State.

These incidents took place in various regions, including eight in deep blue water, 54 in the Western Region, 81 in the Central region, and 68 in the Eastern region. The NPPCL has already made 22 arrests in connection with these incidents.

Persecondnews recalls that between December 30, and January 5, 2024, no fewer than 157 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta.

NNPCL reported that the cases originated from various sources such as Nigeria Agip Oil, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Limited, Tantita Security Services Limited, NNPCL Command and Control Centre, Shell Petroleum Development Company, and government security agencies.