The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said it uncovered at least 34 illegal refineries and 17 illegal pipeline connections in one week across the Niger Delta region.
In a video documentary posted on the official YouTube channel of the NNPCL, the company said the illicit activities were busted in a series of operations between November 30 and December 6th.
“This was achieved by the joint efforts of NNPCL command and control centres, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, OANDO PLC, New Guard Security and Consultancy Limited, and government security agencies,” the broadcast says.
The national oil company noted that it recorded a total of 94 oil theft incidents in parts of Bayelsa, Rivers and Abia states.
Wooden fibre boats carrying stolen crude oil were also reported seized on waterways at igi 4 and Okoloma in River State and Ukwua in Abia State.
Thereafter, they were destroyed. The NNPCL disclosed that a total of 19 suspects were apprehended and handed over to government security agencies for investigation.
