The NNPC also reported that 51 incidents occurred in the deep blue water, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against oil theft, with the seizure of 63 illegal refineries and the arrest of 16 suspects in the past week.
According to a report by the NNPC, a total of 177 incidents were recorded between August 3 and 9, including the discovery of 19 illegal pipeline connections and the confiscation of 15 wooden boats conveying stolen crude.
The crackdown, which was carried out in collaboration with government security agencies, resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of 17 vehicles in communities in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.
The NNPC also reported that 51 incidents occurred in the deep blue water, 21 in the western region, 29 in the central region, and 76 in the eastern region.
The seizures and arrests are part of a broader effort to address the scourge of oil theft, which has remained a major challenge in the upstream sector, inhibiting the country’s ability to ramp up production.
Business leader Tony Elumelu has called on the government and security agents to take action against oil thieves, stating that the menace has contributed to the divestment of international oil companies in Nigeria.
Elumelu, who owns an oil field, revealed that oil thieves still steal about 18% of crude from his field, equivalent to 7,560 barrels daily.
The NNPC’s efforts to combat oil theft come as the country struggles to meet its oil production targets, with the government facing pressure to address the issue.
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