Fakoyejo OlalekanThe equipment of suspected oil thieves on oil mining lease (OML) 18, was discovered by the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Tuesday, 11 July 2023.
This was revealed by the commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) pathfinder, Suleman Ibrahim, in media reports on Monday, 17 July 2023.
The NNPC was losing crude to the unidentified suspected oil thieves as the equipment was siphoning crude on oil well 18.
Ibrahim said the equipment used by suspected oil thieves was spotted during air surveillance. He stated that the suspects are likely part of a syndicate, as the level of sophistication is beyond his imagination.
Although no suspect was arrested at the site of the illegal activity, Ibrahim said the Nigerian Navy is tracking those behind the illegal siphoning of NNPC crude oil for prosecution.
“We came here with members of NNPC, OML 18 resources, they are the owners of the well,” the Navy commander said, adding “We came with our heavy equipment to make sure we dismantle the illegal structures that are being used to siphon crude illegally.
“A lot of pipes have been recovered from the wellhead and we have disconnected where they are being connected to.
“As an individual, what I have seen here is way beyond what I have seen elsewhere. The level of sophistication is beyond our imagination.
“The individuals involved had taken their time and done a lot of measurements and did welding on-site.”
Ibrahim also disclosed that the Nigerian Navy arrested four suspects, residing in Borikiri in Port Harcourt, at a different illegal oil bunkering site.
Meanwhile, Prime Business Africa previously reported that Nigeria retained its position as the largest crude oil producer in Africa in June.
According to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Nigeria, based on Direct Communication, produced 1.298 million barrels per day last month, surpassing the 1.277 million barrels bpd reported in May.
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