NNPCL Reports 172 Crude Oil Thefts in Nigeria from Nov 11-17

**Infostride News Report: Surge in Crude Oil Theft Incidents Raises Concerns**

In the period spanning from November 11 to November 17, Nigeria witnessed a troubling surge in crude oil theft incidents, with a staggering total of 172 recorded cases. This revelation comes from a comprehensive report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), presented in its weekly series “Energy and You” aired on the NTA network.

The report sheds light on the alarming state of affairs in various regions across the country. Notably, 67 illegal refineries were discovered in key locations, including Oowodokpokpo and Obodo-Omadino in Delta state, Ekeremor in Bayelsa state, Ohaji-Egbema in Imo state, Owaza in Abia state, and Emoha in Rivers state. This underscores the widespread nature of the issue, transcending state boundaries.

Among the concerning findings were AIS (Automatic Identification System) infractions involving 12 vessels, illegal connections numbering 8 in Abia, Imo, and Rivers states, 5 acts of vandalism, and the identification of 5 illegal storage sites in Ughelli, Iyede, Olomoro, and Tori in Delta state. Security agents also unearthed 54 wooden boats dedicated to transporting stolen crude in Delta state, made 18 vehicle arrests in Patani, Kwale, Ughelli, and Abraka in Delta state, and identified 3 oil spills during the specified week.

Notably, the NNPCL’s report highlights the apprehension of 27 suspects involved in crude oil theft during this period. The incidents were distributed across key regions, with 12 taking place in the Deep Blue water, 45 in the Western region, 44 in the Central region, and 71 in the Eastern region, all within the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta.

Putting these incidents into a broader context, Senator Ned Nwoko delivered a sobering message to the Senate on October 10, 2023. He disclosed that Nigeria had already incurred staggering losses amounting to N2 trillion in the ongoing year due to crude oil theft. Nwoko emphasized that the situation had escalated from the previous year, where Nigeria experienced daily losses of approximately 437,000 barrels of crude oil, valued at around $23 million, due to criminal activities.

The scenario took a more dire turn in March 2023 when Nigeria suffered a shocking loss of 65.7 million barrels of crude oil, each valued at $83 per barrel. This translated into a colossal revenue drop of N2.3 trillion attributed to oil theft. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, revealed in August 2023 that the country was losing a substantial 400,000 barrels of oil every day to crude oil thieves.

Ribadu underscored the irony that while Nigeria possesses the capacity to produce a daily output of 2 million barrels of crude oil, the actual production falls short, hovering at below 1.6 million barrels. This stark reality amplifies the economic impact of crude oil theft on the nation.

The theft of crude oil in Nigeria manifests on two levels: local and international. Each level exhibits distinct characteristics, with the international aspect posing the threat of illicit access to offshore oil assets. This intricate challenge involves a complex network of international entities collaborating with local security forces and influential groups within Nigeria.

Their modus operandi encompasses pilfering oil from both onshore and offshore facilities, followed by its clandestine transportation out of the country via vessels. This collaboration between local and international actors contributes significantly to the hemorrhaging of revenue for Nigeria, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the nation.

As Nigeria grapples with this multifaceted issue, urgent and comprehensive measures are imperative to curtail the escalating menace of crude oil theft. The socio-economic ramifications demand a concerted effort from both national and international stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s vital natural resources and mitigate the far-reaching consequences of this pervasive criminal activity.