Emmanuel Ochayi
NNPC Uncovers 165 Illegal Refineries
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) announced that it has uncovered 165 illegal refineries in various locations across the Niger Delta within the past week.
This discovery was made between June 15 and 21, during which approximately 400 incidents of oil theft and vandalism were reported by both government and private security agencies.
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According to an NNPC documentary, 69 illegal connections were discovered and disconnected in Bayelsa and Rivers States. Additionally, at least eight cases of oil spills due to vandalism or illegal refineries were reported across the region.
Warri’s Illegal Loading Point
In Warri, Delta State, an illegal loading point was discovered. This point was being used for illegal loading and transporting crude oil. The NNPC has dismantled this site and prevented further illegal activities in the area.
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Swamps Of Okrika: A Hotbed For Illegal Refineries
Across several swamps in Okrika, Rivers State, 69 illegal refineries were uncovered and dismantled. The ongoing construction of an ‘oven’ for illegal crude oil refining was also halted. Similar refining sites were found in different locations in Abia and Bayelsa States.
Storage Sites And Seizures Of Illegal Refineries
The NNPC reported that 19 illegal storage sites filled with stolen crude and illegally refined products were uncovered in Delta, Imo, Rivers, Abia, and Bayelsa States.
In addition, 11 vehicles were seized in Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Bayelsa States, and 39 boats carrying stolen crude were confiscated in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
Arrests and Legal Action
Eight persons were arrested in connection with these incidents. The NNPC, in collaboration with security agencies, is intensifying efforts to prosecute those involved in illegal oil activities.
Addressing the Security Challenge
Mele Kyari, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the need to address the security challenges in the oil and gas sector to increase production.
“How do you increase oil production? Remove the security challenge we have in our onshore assets. As we all know, the security challenge is real. It is not just about theft; it is about the availability of the infrastructure to deliver the volume to the market,” Kyari said.
Impact on Oil Production
Kyari pointed out that the nation’s crude oil production is declining due to theft and vandalism. “No one is going to put money into oil production when he knows the production will not get to the market.
Within the last two years, we removed over 5,800 illegal connections from our pipelines. We took down over 6,000 illegal refineries. You simply cannot get people to put money until you solve that problem,” he added.
The fight against illegal refineries and oil theft is crucial for Nigeria’s oil industry. The NNPC’s recent discoveries and actions highlight the ongoing challenges and the need for continued efforts to secure the country’s oil resources.
