NNPC uncovers fresh 165 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) recently announced the discovery of 165 illegal refineries across the Niger Delta.

This revelation came alongside reports of 400 oil theft and vandalism incidents between June 15 and 21, documented by government and private security agencies.

In Bayelsa and Rivers States, 69 illegal connections were identified and disconnected, while eight oil spills due to vandalism or illegal connections were reported across the region. In Warri, Delta State, an illicit point loading was discovered.

Furthermore, 69 illegal refineries were dismantled in the swamps of Okrika, Rivers State, halting the construction of an ‘oven’ for unlawful crude oil refining. Similar sites were uncovered in various locations in Abia and Bayelsa States.

NNPC also reported finding 19 illegal storage sites filled with stolen crude and illegally refined products in Delta, Imo, Rivers, Abia, and Bayelsa States.

The authorities seized 11 vehicles in Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Bayelsa States, and 39 boats carrying stolen crude were confiscated in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States. Eight individuals were arrested in connection with these activities.

NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, emphasized the urgent need to address insecurity in the oil and gas sector to enhance production. He noted that oil theft and vandalism significantly hinder the nation’s crude oil production.

Kyari pointed out that over the last two years, NNPC has removed over 5,800 illegal connections from pipelines and dismantled over 6,000 illegal refineries.

He stressed that investment in oil production is unlikely until the security challenges are resolved, as investors need assurance that their production will reach the market.