NNPCL Battles 149 Oil Theft Cases in Just One Week

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported a surge in crude oil theft incidents throughout the Niger Delta, with a staggering 149 cases occurring in just one week. This alarming increase in illegal activities has raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of oil infrastructure in the region.

According to a statement released on a Tuesday, NNPCL disclosed that one of the incidents involved the discovery of an oil bunkering site in Osuobodo, located between two ANTAN flow stations south of the Oguta naval base in Imo state. The situation has become particularly worrisome as the criminals responsible for these activities have escalated their tactics and precautions.

The NNPCL statement revealed, “Far from the regular, these criminals have taken their activities a notch higher. In this camp, CCTV cameras have been installed on trees by the thieves to look out for security operatives. Mortar launchers and defense systems were also mounted by the oil thieves in various locations to eliminate any perceived enemy.”

The discovery of this highly fortified oil theft camp was made possible after a military intervention, which followed information gathered through air surveillance conducted by various entities, including Target Energy, Tantita security services, Operation Delta Safe, and the Military in August.

The statement further emphasized the calculated nature of these illegal activities, stating, “It is a well-orchestrated mission. The thieves are determined to live here and trade their stolen crude. A lack of electricity is no excuse. Generators are on standby to keep the camp’s operations afloat.”

The military operation revealed the presence of drums filled with stolen crude oil, makeshift storage facilities, and various incriminating materials at the site.

This surge in crude oil theft is not limited to a single location. The statement reported that between the 14th and 20th of October 2023, 49 illegal connections were uncovered in various areas, including Udu and Ogharefe in Delta State, Ohaji Egbema in Imo, Brass in Bayelsa, and in Rivers state. In Rivers state, particularly, oil thieves had even gone to the extent of drilling a tunnel beneath a tarred road to insert their illegal connection, demonstrating a high level of expertise in their illegal activities.

In addition to illegal connections, the NNPCL has also documented sixteen cases of pipeline vandalism during this week, with incidents in Azuzu in Bayelsa state and Obodo Omadina and Ogidigbein in Delta state. Notably, a well head was vandalized in one of these incidents, underscoring the severe damage and economic losses caused by these illegal activities.

Further illustrating the extent of the problem, the statement also highlighted the discovery of ten facilities used for storing stolen crude oil in various locations across the Niger Delta during the past week.

“In Ekpemu in Delta state, an interesting discovery was made. More storage facilities were discovered in Ogborode, Ugborodo, and Kwale in Delta State, Tomble and Emuoha in Rivers state, and Yenagoa in Bayelsa state,” the statement noted.

The authorities are making efforts to curb these activities and bring the culprits to justice. In Ozoro, Umuosonwu, and Patani in Delta state, vehicles carrying sacks of stolen crude oil were intercepted and their contents confiscated. A total of five vehicle arrests were made between the 14th and 20th of October 2023.

Moreover, eighteen wooden boats used to transport stolen crude were apprehended this week in Rivers, Delta, and Imo states. These incidents spanned different regions, with nine taking place in deep blue water, twenty-three in the western region, sixty-seven in the central region, and fifty in Nigeria’s Eastern Region.

The escalation in crude oil theft and related activities in the Niger Delta is a cause for significant concern. It not only threatens the security of oil infrastructure but also represents a significant economic loss for the Nigerian petroleum industry and the nation as a whole. The NNPCL and other relevant authorities are actively engaged in efforts to combat these criminal activities and safeguard the country’s oil resources. It remains to be seen how successful these efforts will be in curbing this persistent problem in the region.