The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has disclosed that  uncovered  at least 34 illegal refineries and 17 pipeline connections across the Niger Delta region in one week.

In a video documentary posted on its official YouTube channel on Tuesday,11 December, 2024, NNPCL said that the illegal activities were busted under its ‘War On Crude Oil Theft’ operations between November 30 and December 6, in line with its commitment to end crude oil theft in Nigeria.

The company added that the feat 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.

NNPCL also explained that it recorded a total of 94 oil theft incidents in parts of Bayelsa, Rivers and Abia states.

“In a series of coordinated operations, illegal pipelines were discovered and dismantled at key hotspots – Ogboingbiri, Ejehinkiri, Alabelema in Bayelsa state.

“And Okrika 7 in Rivers state witnessed swift action as security forces uncovered an illicit setup used by perpetrators to exploit Nigeria’s resources.

“Repairs were carried out promptly restoring the pipelines to full functionality and fortifying the nation’s hydrocarbon infrastructure.

“The crackdown didn’t stop there. Illegal refineries met their end in Ebocha, Umuajuloke community, Okrika 7, and Kumkum in Rivers State, as well as Ukwa, Uzuaku, Oza West, Odogwa, Obuzor, Oandu in Abia State and Bizeni in Bayelsa state,” the company said.

The NNPCL further revealed that it uncovered a massive illegal storage site in Okrika 7 of River State where officials found crude oil stored in sacks ready for the black market.

It revealed that a total of 19 suspects were apprehended and handed over to government security agencies for investigation.