A truck bearing the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has been seized by security agents for transporting stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta.
This truck is among several vehicles confiscated in the past week as part of intensified efforts by security forces to combat oil theft in the region.
In a visual report released by the NNPC, the truck was shown surrounded by both government and private security personnel. Over the past week, 36 illegal pipeline connections and 99 illicit refineries have been uncovered, according to the NNPC.
The agency emphasized that the ongoing fight against crude oil theft and the collaborative efforts to secure hydrocarbon infrastructure are making “remarkable progress.”
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“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, four concealed illegal pipelines connected to a crude oil line have been uncovered.
“These pipelines had been siphoning off precious resources from the nation’s coffers,” the NNPC stated.
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Similar illegal operations were uncovered in other communities as swift actions by security forces disrupted the illicit connections, preventing further losses.
Makeshift refineries used to process stolen crude oil were demolished in an aggressive crackdown, leaving the once-active sites in ruins.
Large reservoirs of stolen crude were discovered in Bayelsa and Rivers States, hidden in various locations, while illegal storage sites were found in Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
In some areas, crude oil concealed in polythene bags, ready for distribution on the black market, was detected.
On land, security personnel intercepted multiple trucks and vehicles carrying stolen crude oil at key locations in Delta State.
Arrests were made in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, with the drivers handed over to the authorities for further investigation.
At sea, security forces seized wooden boats commonly used to transport 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 reiterated its commitment to the fight against crude oil theft, stressing that there will be no retreat until the menace is completely eradicated.
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