The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has revealed that 188 incidents of oil theft were recorded between August 24 and 30, 2024, across multiple locations in the Niger Delta. In a detailed report, the state-owned energy giant disclosed that 89 illegal refineries were dismantled within the week, with several illicit oil connections uncovered in Bayelsa, Abia, and Rivers States.
In addition to the illegal refineries destroyed in Abia and Rivers, the NNPC identified illegal storage sites resembling pond-like reservoirs in Abia. The week also saw crude oil spills in Abia, Rivers, and Bayelsa, a direct result of these unlawful connections.
The scale of vandalism was further highlighted by the interception of a boat in Rivers State, found carrying metals from vandalized oil wellheads. On land, authorities seized trucks and vehicles transporting stolen crude oil in Delta State. Additionally, wooden boats smuggling crude oil were captured in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States. A total of 31 suspected oil thieves were arrested and handed over to security agencies for further investigation.
NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, lamented the alarming prevalence of oil theft in the Niger Delta, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most severe and audacious economic crimes. According to Kyari, the sheer scale and boldness of these operations require urgent attention from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Kyari explained that the NNPC had disconnected over 4,800 illegal pipelines out of a staggering 5,543 detected so far. “These things don’t just happen out of nowhere,” Kyari said, noting that the illegal connections occur in known communities. He expressed frustration at the situation, stating that as soon as one illegal connection is removed, another one emerges.
The NNPC boss emphasized that the scale of oil theft in Nigeria is unparalleled globally, highlighting the sophisticated nature of these operations. “When we talk about illegal connections, these are not small or hidden pipes. Some are as large as the trunk lines themselves, requiring a high level of expertise to install,” Kyari explained. He warned that the prevalence of oil theft is deterring investment in Nigeria’s oil sector, as potential investors recognize the high likelihood that their crude oil won’t reach the terminal.
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This crisis, Kyari stressed, is not just a local issue but one that threatens the growth of oil production and the economic stability of the nation.
