The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has discovered a total of 122 illegal oil refining sites in the past week across the Niger Delta region.
The NNPCL said a filling station was sealed for selling illegally refined fuel to motorists in Akwa Ibom State.
According to a documentary released by the NNPCL on Tuesday, 65 illegal pipeline connections were uncovered and removed within the past week in Rivers and other states in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
“310 incidents were recorded between May 18 and 24 across the Niger Delta region,” the NNPCL disclosed while reeling out its efforts in fighting oil theft and vandalism.
The 122 illegal refineries were spotted at Tomble II, III, IV, Umuajuloke, Rivers State, as well as Oporomor III, Eduwini, and Ajatiton in Bayelsa State. Vandalized well heads were reportedly discovered in Tomble IV, Rivers and Egbema in Imo State. A pit filled with crude oil from a vandalised wellhead was also discovered. Five illegal storage sites were sighted with oil stored in sacks, pits, cans and a filling station, the energy company stated.
