The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported 188 cases of oil theft between August 24 and 30, 2024. These incidents were documented across various locations in the Niger Delta region, with 89 illegal refineries discovered and dismantled within the same period.
The NNPC revealed that several illegal connections were found in Bayelsa, Abia, and Rivers states, where oil spills were also recorded due to sabotage. In addition, illegal storage sites resembling ponds were uncovered in Abia State, while vehicles and boats carrying stolen crude oil were seized in Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states.
A total of 31 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft were arrested and handed over to authorities for further investigation. NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, expressed deep concern over the increasing sophistication of oil theft, calling it one of the most significant economic crimes in Nigeria that requires urgent attention from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Kyari highlighted that over 5,000 illegal connections have been detected on NNPCL pipelines, stressing the need for more proactive measures to combat the persistent issue of oil theft in the country.
News Editor 
Hyelsinta Hassan