The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) uncovered 55 illegal refineries and 29 illegal pipeline connections in one week across the Niger Delta region.
In a documentary on its official YouTube channel, NNPCL reported 179 incidents of oil theft between January 11 and 17, 2025. The operations led to 30 arrests and the discovery of numerous illegal oil installations. “An industry-wide security collaboration to safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure continues to yield remarkable results,” the broadcast stated.
NNPCL highlighted the involvement of key stakeholders in the fight against crude oil theft, including:
• NNPCL Command and Control Centres
• Shell Petroleum Development Company
• Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited
• Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited
• OANDO PLC
• Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas
• Tantita Security Services
• Government Security Agencies
The breakdown of the 179 incidents showed five cases in the Western corridor, 90 in the Central corridor, 70 in the Eastern corridor, and 14 in the Deep Blue water.
Hotspots of Crude Oil Theft
NNPCL identified crude oil theft hotspots in the Niger Delta, including:
• Buguma Southeast, Bile, Okoloma, and Kaotan channel in Rivers State
• Obuzor and Ukwa in Abia State
In Bayelsa State, joint security efforts led to arrests and the seizure of illegal oil proceeds. Security personnel dismantled illegal refineries and storage sites in Buguma Southeast, Okoloma, Obrikom, Ayama (Rivers State), and Ozaukwu (Abia State).
A condensate pipeline in Nwaduloke and a damaged wellhead in Buguma (Rivers State) were among reported oil spills. Vehicles loaded with crude oil were intercepted in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia, while wooden fiber boats carrying crude oil were confiscated on waterways at Asa and Bile (Rivers State).
NNPCL emphasized that efforts to eradicate crude oil theft will persist until the menace is fully eliminated, vowing to ensure the safety of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources through continued security operations and collaboration with stakeholders.