The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered 77 illegal refineries and pipeline connections across the Niger Delta region in just one week.
Nigeria recorded over 589 oil spills in 2024, with oil theft being the primary cause.
A detailed breakdown shows that 58 illegal refineries and 19 unauthorized pipeline connections were discovered during operations conducted between January 18 and 24, 2025. In a video documentary released on its official YouTube channel on Tuesday, NNPCL reported 159 incidents of oil theft within the region during the period.
The company added that these operations led to the arrest of 25 suspects and the discovery of various illegal oil installations.
“The ongoing industry-wide security collaboration to protect hydrocarbon infrastructure continues to yield significant results,” NNPCL stated.
The operation involved several key stakeholders, including NNPCL’s Command and Control Centre, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, Maton Engineering Nigeria Ltd, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Oando PLC, and Government Security Agencies.
This latest discovery follows last week’s announcement of 55 illegal refineries and 29 illicit pipeline connections.
Among the major incidents, NNPCL reported a significant breach on the Oando-NLNG Bonny gas pipeline in Rivers State, leading to a shutdown that disrupted gas supply to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Other cases of pipeline vandalism and illegal connections were identified in Bayelsa, Edo, and Abia states.
Illegal refineries were also uncovered in Bile, Bonny, Oigu, Okoloma, Ayama, and Ward 7, Dema Abe, all in Rivers State.
A regional analysis of the 159 oil theft incidents recorded last week revealed seven cases in the Western Corridor, 72 in the Central Corridor, 41 in the Eastern Corridor, and 39 in the Deep Blue Waters.
NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, stressing that its determination to combat the menace remains unwavering.
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