NNPCL Uncovers 179 Cases of Crude Oil Theft In One Week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed 179 incidents of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region within just one week, signaling ongoing challenges in safeguarding Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.

According to a statement from NNPCL, the discoveries were made between January 11 and 17, 2025, through collaborative efforts involving the company’s Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and government security agencies.

The week-long crackdown uncovered 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illicit refineries across the region. Security operatives also dismantled numerous illegal refineries in Rivers and Abia States, where stolen crude oil was being processed into black-market petroleum products.

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Hidden storage sites for stolen crude oil were found and destroyed in parts of Rivers and Abia, while acts of sabotage—including damaged wellheads and vandalized condensate pipelines—were discovered, leading to several oil spills in the affected areas.

The statement noted that 90 incidents were recorded in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in Deep Blue Water. Security forces also intercepted vehicles and wooden boats used to transport stolen crude oil, seizing the equipment and handing over 30 suspects to law enforcement for further investigation.

“This operation underscores our commitment to eradicating crude oil theft and vandalism through industry-wide collaboration and the protection of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon infrastructure,” the NNPCL stated.

The NNPCL further revealed that in the first two weeks of 2025, a total of 128 illegal refineries were discovered undelining the seriousness of the crude oil theft. Between January 4 and 10, 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illicit refineries were identified in the region. Despite these efforts, crude oil theft continues to hinder Nigeria’s ability to meet its annual oil production targets.

NNPCL reiterated its determination to tackle this menace and safeguard the nation’s economic resources.
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