In a relentless battle against crude oil theft, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered a staggering 179 incidents of oil theft and sabotage in the Niger Delta within a single week. This alarming revelation highlights the scale of illegal activities threatening Nigeria’s oil industry. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
A Week of Eye-Opening Discoveries
Between January 11 and 17, 2025, coordinated efforts by NNPCL and its partners revealed a trail of illegal operations, including:
- 29 illicit pipeline connections stealthily siphoning crude oil.
- 55 illegal refineries churning out black-market petroleum products.
The operations spanned across Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia States, exposing a complex web of sabotage that included:
- Vandalized pipelines and damaged wellheads in Rivers, which caused major oil spills.
- Hidden storage sites for stolen crude, later destroyed by security forces.
- Confiscated vehicles and boats transporting stolen oil on land and waterways.
Unmasking the Culprits
The crackdown led to the arrest of 30 suspects, now in the custody of government security agencies. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the criminal networks behind these activities.
A Unified Front Against Sabotage
NNPCL’s success stems from a powerful alliance of industry and security partners, including:
- Tantita Security Agency
- Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited
- Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited
- Shell Petroleum Development Company
- Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas
- Oando PLC
- Government security agencies
This unified front has been critical in uncovering illegal activities across the oil-rich regions:
- 90 incidents in the Central Corridor
- 70 in the Eastern Corridor
- 5 in the Western Corridor
- 14 in Deep Blue Water
The Bigger Picture
In just the first two weeks of 2025, NNPCL and its allies have discovered 128 illegal refineries and 82 pipeline breaches. The relentless sabotage continues to challenge Nigeria’s ability to meet its oil production targets, highlighting the urgent need for sustained vigilance.
NNPCL’s Resolve
NNPCL has reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out crude oil theft through advanced surveillance, coordinated security efforts, and industry-wide collaboration.
This is more than a fight for resources—it’s a fight for Nigeria’s economic stability and the protection of vital infrastructure.
Stay tuned as we follow this gripping story and provide updates on the ongoing battle against oil theft.
