Security agents have confiscated a truck bearing the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for transporting stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta.
This truck was one of several vehicles seized in recent efforts against oil theft.
A visual report from the NNPC showed the truck surrounded by various security forces.
The NNPC said in the past week, authorities uncovered 36 illegal pipeline connections and 99 illegal refineries, highlighting significant progress in combating crude oil theft and enhancing security collaboration in the sector.
“Between September 7 and 13, 2024, a total of 218 incidences were recorded across several locations in the Niger Delta region from various incident sources like Tantita Security Agency, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Oando PLC, NNPC Limited’s Command and Control Centres and government security agencies,” the report stated.
In Rivers State, authorities uncovered four illegal pipelines that were cleverly concealed and connected to a crude oil line.
“These pipelines had been siphoning off precious resources from the nation’s coffers,” the NNPC stated.
Similar illegal operations were identified in other communities, with security forces swiftly neutralizing the illicit connections to prevent further losses.
As part of an aggressive crackdown, makeshift refineries processing stolen crude oil were demolished, leaving sites that once supported criminal activities in ruins.
Large reservoirs of stolen crude oil were discovered in Bayelsa and Rivers States, hidden in various locations.
Additionally, illegal storage sites were identified in Abia and Akwa Ibom States, including crude concealed in polythene bags ready for distribution to black markets.
Security personnel also intercepted several trucks and vehicles transporting stolen crude oil at key locations in Delta State.
Arrests were also made in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, with the drivers handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
On the water, security personnel seized wooden boats commonly used for transporting stolen crude oil in Abia and Delta States.
“The incidents were spread across different corridors: 32 in the western corridor, 61 in the central corridor, 77 in the eastern corridor and 48 in deep blue water.
“In total, 35 suspects were arrested during this period, all of whom have been handed over to government security agencies for further investigation,” the energy company reported.
The NNPC emphasized its commitment to the fight against crude oil theft, stating that there will be no backing down until the issue is completely eradicated.
