The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that 134 illegal refineries were destroyed in the past week, along with the discovery of 63 illegal pipeline connections.
In a visual report, the NNPC explained that a joint security team uncovered a large wooden boat illicitly loading stolen crude oil from Barge AGS01 within the OML 18 area at around 2 am on Sunday. The boat was found transferring crude oil, and authorities seized it, along with five speedboats and a tugboat for further investigation.
In Rivers State, two barges involved in illegal bunkering were seized, and crew members were arrested. Similar operations in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Abia States led to the confiscation of wooden boats transporting stolen crude.
Illegal refineries, which harm the environment and economy, were also destroyed. The NNPC noted that between August 31 and September 6, 2024, a total of 302 incidents were identified across the Niger Delta.
The NNPC said 48 of those incidents took place in the deep blue water, 81 in the central region, 134 in the eastern region and 39 in the western region.
25 suspects were arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
