Crude oil theft ramps up, 144 incidents reported within a week - NNPCL

There were 144 incidents of crude oil theft reported between August 4 and August 11, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

This was said by the corporation during the NTA News Network’s weekly programme “Energy and You.”

According to the company’s report, a total of 53 illicit refineries were disclosed, along with the identification of 35 illegal connections, 11 vessel-related AIS breaches, and 8 pipeline vandalism cases. Additionally, 34 wooden boats were located, and 3 oil spill occurrences were found.

These incidents were reported in the states of Rivers, Delta, Imo, and Bayelsa.

Nine of these cases were located in the Western Niger Delta, while 11 were in the clear waters.

The Niger Delta’s eastern part, which contains oil-producing areas, saw 37 occurrences, while the middle region of the delta witnessed the most with 87 instances.

Stakeholders have insisted that people who steal crude oil belong to society’s upper class since they have the money to finance the illicit crude trade.

To lift stolen crude or secure commodities utilised in the black market, they must, however, hire the underprivileged.