The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the discovery of 63 illegal refineries and 19 illegal pipeline connections across several states within a week.
This revelation highlights the ongoing struggle to combat crude oil theft and environmental degradation in Nigeria’s oil-rich regions.
The discoveries were made in Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and Imo states, areas notorious for illegal oil activities.
According to a statement posted on the NNPC Ltd’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, a total of 177 incidents were reported from various sources, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
Among the 177 reported cases, Government Security Agencies (GSAs) accounted for the largest share, with 64 incidents.
The NNPC Command and Control Centre reported 51 cases, while private security companies and contractors also contributed significantly to the discovery of illegal activities.
Tantita Security Services reported four incidents, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) reported 11, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) reported 26, Maton Engineering Company reported 20, and NNPC 18 Operating Ltd reported one incident.
The NNPC Ltd disclosed that 19 illegal pipeline connections were discovered and, in some instances, repaired in several locations across Bayelsa and Rivers states.
Additionally, 63 illegal refineries were uncovered and confiscated in areas including Olobiri in Bayelsa State, Tombe III, Okakiri, and two other locations in Rivers State, Obuzo in Abia State, Ohaji Egbema in Imo State, and Ogudu Omadigbo in Delta State.
This crackdown is part of a broader effort by the NNPC Ltd to tackle the menace of oil theft and its associated economic and environmental impacts.
The illegal refining of crude oil, often carried out in makeshift facilities, poses severe risks to the environment, local communities, and the broader economy.
The pollutants released during these activities contribute to environmental degradation and public health hazards, while the theft of crude oil represents a significant financial loss to the nation.
The Nigerian government and its partners have been under increasing pressure to curb these activities as they directly undermine the country’s economic stability.
The illegal oil industry has been a persistent challenge, with previous government efforts to address the issue often hampered by corruption and the complex network of actors involved in the illegal trade.
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