In a recent report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), a staggering 127 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded between December 2 and 8, 2023.
The NNPCL revealed the recovery via its Twitter (X) account on Tuesday, December 12.
It stated that the incidents occurred across various regions within the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta.
Here are the key findings from the NNPCL report:
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- 51 illegal refineries were uncovered.
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29 illegal connections were identified.
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8 vessels were found to have AIS (Automatic Identification System) infractions.
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6 acts of pipeline vandalism were detected.
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5 illegal storage sites were located.
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13 arrests were made involving wooden boats.
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3 oil spills were reported.
11 vehicle arrests were made, along with 1 vessel arrest.
The sources of the above incidents were attributed as follows:
- Pipeline International Nigeria Limited was linked to 31 incidents.
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Maton Nigeria Limited was associated with 30 incidents.
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Tantita Security Services Limited reported 15 incidents.
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Shell Petroleum Development Company reported 12 incidents.
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The NNPCL Command and Control Center reported 8 incidents.
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Government Security Agencies reported 31 incidents.
It stated that the theft incidents spanned Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Abia, and Imo states.
During the week, three thieves were apprehended in Isoko South, while three others remain at large.
Notably, Benard Innocent from Isoko South (Delta state) and Adam Akpobome Godstime, a resident of Owodokpokpo (Delta state), were among those arrested.
Arms, ammunition, and charms were discovered at the crime scenes in Isoko South with the suspect in crude oil theft activities in Uzere and Owodokpokpo.
A total of five crude oil theft suspects were apprehended during the highlighted week.
According to the report, the arrests took place across different regions:
- 9 cases in the Deep Blue Water.
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23 cases in the Western region.
- 45 cases in the Central region.
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50 cases in the Eastern region of the Niger Delta’s oil-producing areas.
Furthermore, it was said that Tantita Security Services Limited intercepted a vessel engaged in stealing crude oil from an offshore wellhead in Ondo State.
The vessel, currently under the custody of the Nigerian Navy, had a suspicious history, adding that it was involved in similar activities in Ghana on November 29, 2023.
Between August and October 2023, it operated illicitly in Nigeria on four occasions.
Registered under Regan Navigation Limited since March 2022, the vessel sails under the Nigerian flag.
Randling Marine has been identified as the beneficial owner since May 2023.
Previously flagged on November 11, 2023, due to multiple identity changes and activities resembling unauthorized crude oil tankers.
