The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered 77 illegal refineries and pipelines in the Niger Delta region within a week.
DAILY POST gathered that Nigeria recorded over 589 oil spills in 2024, with most linked to oil theft.
A breakdown of the latest findings shows that 58 illegal refineries and 19 unauthorized pipeline connections were discovered.
In a video documentary released on its official YouTube channel on Tuesday, the NNPCL revealed it recorded 159 incidents of oil theft across the region between January 18 and 24, 2025.
The operations led to the arrest of 25 suspects and the discovery of several illegal oil installations.
The NNPCL reported that a major breach was detected on the Oando to NLNG Bonny gas pipeline system in Rivers State.
Additionally, a vandalized gas pipeline forced a shutdown, disrupting gas supply to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
Several cases of crude oil pipeline vandalism and unauthorized condensate pipeline connections were identified in Ikenzi and Oruma areas of Bayelsa State.
“Similar breaches were discovered in Ugu, Edo State; Ipu South, Abia State; and at a wellhead in Buguma, Rivers State,” the NNPCL added.
The company assured that all illegal connections have been removed, and necessary repairs have been successfully completed.
The NNPCL highlighted the following distribution of 159 incidents across the Niger Delta region:
- Western Corridor – 7 incidents
- Central Corridor – 72 incidents
- Eastern Corridor – 41 incidents
- Deep Blue Water – 39 incidents
The national oil company emphasized that industry-wide security collaboration is yielding positive results.
It credited the success of recent operations to efforts by:
- NNPCL’s Command and Control Centre
- Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd
- Maton Engineering Nigeria Ltd
- Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd
- Oando PLC
- Government Security Agencies
This latest crackdown comes a week after NNPCL discovered 55 illegal refineries and 29 illegal pipeline connections, reinforcing its commitment to tackling oil theft.
The company reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on crude oil theft, vowing to continue efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.