The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the discovery of 93 illegal pipelines.
The NNPCL’s report disclosed that there were about forty incidents of crude oil theft between July 15 and July 21, 2023.
The information was shared by the company on its official Twitter account on Tuesday.
The NNPCL emphasized that the fight against crude oil theft was ongoing in the Niger Delta region, specifically in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states.
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In the period, a total of 93 illegal pipeline connections were discovered, adding that efforts were currently underway to disconnect and repair them.
Additionally, 69 illegal refineries were found and destroyed, while 27 cases of pipeline vandalism were detected and are currently being addressed.
According to the commission, its collaboration with security agencies also resulted in the arrest of thirty wooden boats and trucks involved in the transportation of stolen crude, which have been confiscated.
It also highlighted the discovery of numerous suspects engaged in illegal activities utilizing vessels, boats, and other materials.
The individuals, it stated, were apprehended by security agencies and the NNPCL, resulting in the destruction or confiscation of their equipment.
While NNPCL did not provide specific details on the matter, it revealed that the company made significant efforts to combat illegal activities in the region.
The report also identified thirteen vessel AIS infractions, five oil spills, two illegal vessels, and one document validation.
30 of the incidents were recorded in the Deep Blue Water, 41 were recorded in the Western region of the Niger Delta.
Furthermore, it stated that one hundred and 160 were recorded in the Central region and 17 occurred in the Eastern part of the oil-producing part of the Niger Delta region.
