The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered 58 new illegal refineries and 19 unauthorized pipeline connections across the Niger Delta within a week, as part of its intensified crackdown on crude oil theft.
This comes just a week after the company reported 55 illegal refineries and 29 illegal pipeline connections, underscoring the persistence of oil-related criminal activities in the region.
According to a video documentary released on NNPCL’s official YouTube channel on Tuesday, the company recorded 159 incidents of oil theft between January 18 and 24, 2025, leading to the arrest of 25 suspects and the discovery of various illegal installations.
Key Findings and Operations
The discoveries were made through an industry-wide security collaboration involving:
- NNPCL’s Command and Control Centre
- Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd.
- Maton Engineering Nigeria Ltd.
- Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd.
- Oando PLC
- Government Security Agencies
One major breach was identified on the Oando-to-NLNG Bonny gas pipeline system in Rivers State, forcing a shutdown and disrupting the gas supply to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
In Bayelsa State, illegal crude oil pipeline connections were found in Ikenzi and Oruma, while similar cases of vandalism were reported in Ugu (Edo State), Ipu South (Abia State), and Buguma (Rivers State).
Several illegal refineries were also uncovered in Bile, Bonny, Oigu, Okoloma, Ayama, and Ward 7, Dema Abe—all in Rivers State.
Breakdown of Oil Theft Incidents
The 159 incidents recorded across the Niger Delta region were distributed as follows:
- 7 cases in the Western Corridor
- 72 cases in the Central Corridor
- 41 cases in the Eastern Corridor
- 39 cases in Deep Blue Waters
NNPCL’s Stand on Oil Theft
NNPCL emphasized its unwavering commitment to tackling oil theft, warning that the fight against crude oil vandalism will not relent.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually due to crude oil theft, which affects the country’s production output and economic stability. The environmental damage caused by oil spills further devastates local communities, polluting rivers, farmlands, and marine ecosystems.
A 2024 report by Nairametrics revealed that Nigeria recorded over 589 oil spills last year, with oil theft being the leading cause.
The government and oil industry stakeholders continue to implement measures to safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure, reduce environmental destruction, and boost national revenue.