A truck bearing the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has been seized by security agents for transporting stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that the vehicle is among several others apprehended in the past week as part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft.
In a visual report released by the NNPC, the truck was shown surrounded by both government and private security personnel.
Over the past week, authorities uncovered 36 illegal pipeline connections and 99 illicit refineries.
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Between September 7 and 13, a total of 218 incidents were recorded across various locations in the Niger Delta, involving multiple security agencies and companies such as Tantita Security Agency, Shell Petroleum Development Company, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, among others.
In Rivers State, four clandestine pipelines, ingeniously concealed and connected to a crude oil line, were exposed.
According to reports, these pipelines had been diverting valuable resources from the nation’s coffers.
Similar illegal operations were discovered in other communities, with swift actions from security forces neutralising these connections and preventing further losses.
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Makeshift refineries used to process stolen crude oil were demolished in an aggressive crackdown, leaving the once-thriving sites of criminal activity in ruins.
Large reservoirs of stolen crude were found in Bayelsa and Rivers States, while illegal storage sites were uncovered in Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
In some locations, crude oil concealed in polythene bags, ready for distribution to black markets, was detected.
On land, security personnel intercepted several trucks and vehicles carrying stolen crude oil at key locations in Delta State.
Arrests were also made in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, with the drivers handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
On the water, security forces seized wooden boats commonly used for transporting stolen crude oil in Abia and Delta States.
The incidents were spread across different corridors: 32 in the western corridor, 61 in the central corridor, 77 in the eastern corridor, and 48 in deep blue water.
In total, 35 suspects were arrested during this period, all of whom have been handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
The NNPC reiterated its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, stressing that the fight will continue until this menace is completely eliminated.
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