In a crackdown on illegal activities, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has uncovered and destroyed 72 illegal crude oil refining sites in Rivers, Delta, and Abia states.
NNPC revealed that a vessel was also seized on August 18 in Bayelsa State with 12 suspects on board, caught with stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines. The suspects are in custody for further investigation.
The NNPC reported that 46 vessel automatic identification system infractions were recorded at sea, and 24 wooden boats carrying stolen crude were apprehended in Rivers and Bayelsa States. On land, several vehicles loaded with stolen crude were seized in Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States.
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Furthermore, 33 illegal connections were discovered in the three states, and eight cases of oil spill were recorded due to vandalism. Twelve sites used for storing stolen crude and illegally refined products were also uncovered.
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In the period under review, a total of 204 incidents of oil theft were recorded, with 47 incidents occurring in the deep blue water, 10 in the western region, 100 in the central region, and 47 in the eastern region. A total of 42 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
NNPC said:
“From August 17 to 23, 204 incidents of oil theft were recorded by different incident sources.
“47 of the incidents took place in the deep blue water, 10 in the western region, 100 in the central region and 47 in the eastern region.”
