NNPC Identifies 72 Illegal Refinery Sites In Seven Days

NNPC Identifies 72 Illegal Refinery Sites In Seven Days

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has uncovered 72 illegal crude oil refining sites over the past week, according to a recent video report. These illegal refineries were found and destroyed in Rivers, Delta, and Abia states……CONTINUE READING 

On August 18, a vessel carrying 12 suspects was intercepted by Operation Delta Safe in the Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa State. The NNPC reported that the tugboat was loaded with stolen Shell Petroleum Development Company flow lines, indicating that the thieves not only tapped into pipelines to siphon oil but also stole entire sections of the pipelines.

The 12 suspects are currently in custody for further investigation. Additionally, 46 vessel automatic identification system violations were recorded at sea, and 24 wooden boats carrying stolen crude were seized in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

On land, several vehicles transporting stolen crude were apprehended across Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa states. The NNPC also revealed that 33 illegal connections were discovered in these states during the week.

The report highlighted eight cases of oil spills resulting from vandalism and the uncovering of 12 sites used for storing stolen crude and illegally refined products. Between August 17 and 23, there were 204 reported incidents of oil theft, with 47 incidents occurring in deep blue waters, 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 these activities.