By Peregba Jerry
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has recorded at least, 214 incidents of oil theft in the past week.
The NNPCL said it uncovered 72 illegal refineries across the oil-rich Niger Delta from January 13 to 19, 2024.
In a video documentary released on Tuesday, the NNPCL disclosed that “between the 13th and 19th of January 2024, 214 incidences (of oil theft) were recorded from various incidence sources” in the Niger Delta.
According to the petroleum company “72 illegal refineries were discovered across several locations” in Rivers, Bayelsa and Abia States; especially in Ogubolo, Rivers, “where an illegal refinery is being destroyed”.
42 illegal oil connections were said to have been uncovered in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States.
Also, 26 cases of vandalism were reported in the past week in Rivers and Imo, some of which are being repaired
“Two cases of oil spill caused by vandals were reported in Bayelsa.
“Eight illegal storage sites were discovered across several locations in the Niger Delta. Large oil pits were discovered in Isiokpo and Okrika, Rivers State,” it was reported.
Similarly, sacks of oil were reportedly discovered in Oporomor Bayelsa, Obuzor in Abia and Ohaji/Egbema in Imo.
The NNPC also informed that “49 wooden boats conveying stolen crude were arrested and confiscated in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers.”
It was added that eight cases of Vessel AIS infractions and seven cases of vehicles conveying stolen crude were made in Delta
According to the visual report, eight of the cases occurred within the Blue Water, 28 in the Eastern region, 146 in the Central region and 32 took place in the Western region of the Niger Delta.
Meanwhile, 39 persons were reportedly apprehended within the period under review, even as the NNPCL threatened not to give up in the war against oil theft.
It was reported that 157 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded in the Niger Delta between December 30, 2023 and January 5, 2024.
Also, between January 6 and 12, a total of 211 incidents of oil theft and vandalism were reported, with no fewer than 83 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.
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