As part of Nigeria’s fight against oil theft, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has disclosed that 134 illegal refineries were destroyed in seven days.
In its weekly audio-visual on the progress made so far, it noted that 63 illegal pipeline connections were also uncovered during the period, with a joint team of security agents discovering a large wooden boat illegally loading stolen crude oil from barge AGS01 within the OML 18 operating area.
According to the national oil company, based on credible intelligence, the large wooden boat was caught receiving crude oil from the barge.
It explained that while the barge was towed away with a tugboat in custody, five speedboats used in towing the large wooden boat to the illegal loading site were detained.
It noted that the particulars of the tugboats and barge used for the operation were seized for further investigation, adding that in Rivers state, two barges involved in illegal bunkering activities were also seized and the crewmembers were arrested.
In addition, wooden boats transporting stolen crude oil, the NNPC said, were confiscated in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa State and Abia States.
