SECURITY OPERATIVES IN NIGER DELTA UNCOVER 58 ILLEGAL REFINERIES

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Security operatives in the Niger Delta have uncovered 58 illegal refineries in one week.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) revealed this in its documentary titled “War on Crude Oil Theft – 14th – 20th September, 2024.”

The documentary said 103 illegal pipeline connections were also uncovered in the week under review.

“In the past week, 103 illegal pipeline connections and 58 illegal refineries were uncovered,” NNPCL said.

The national oil company also said in the week under review, 281 incidences were recorded across the Niger Delta region.

The incidences, according to the documentary, were detected and reported by Tantita Security agency, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline infrastructure Nig Ltd, Matin Engineering Nig Ltd, Oando PLC, Heirs Energies, NNPCL 18, NNPCL Ltd Command and Control Centre, and government security agencies.

It said in Bayelsa State, a major illegal operation was disrupted when security personnel dismantled an illegal crude oil connection at Ikesi.

The line, according to NNPCL, hidden beneath layers of terrain was siphoning crude oil, contributing to environmental degredation and substantial losses for the nation.

The report said additional illicit connections were discovered and repelled at Ogbenchiri and Igematoro.

It said similarly, in Delta State an illegal connection in the Konosoga axis was destroyed while in Rivers State, connections at Bakama 6, and Alakiri were neutralized.

NNPCL said, “Illegal refineries referred to as ovens by locals were destroyed by security forces in Nembe, Abenigbene, Igbumaturu, and Brass in Bayelsa State

“Several make-shift sites processing stolen crude oil were demolished.

Similar operations were carried out in Bakana 6, Asa and Okrika 6 in Rivers State.

“On the other hand, security personnel intercepted vehicles carrying stolen crude oil in tanks at Bomadi and Ugheli North in Delta State.

“On water, the fight extended to Tonia and Bile in Rivers State, where wooden boats traditionally used to transport crude oil were seized.

“The incidences were spread along four major corridors: 127 in the central corridors, 79 in the eastern corridors, 17 in the western corridors, and 17 in the deep blue waters.

“In total, 21 suspects were arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigations.”

The state-owned oil firm, vowed that “For NNPCL, there is no backing down on the war on crude oil theft until the menace is eradicated for good.”