NNPCL discovered 220 illegal refineries in one week – official

Port Harcourt, Aug. 21. 2024 -The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) discovered 220 illegal refineries in the Delta region between Aug. 10 and Aug. 16, 2024.

The illegal refineries were found in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, and Abia states

According to NNPCL documentary titled: “War on Crude Oil Theft,” posted on its X handle, 33 suspects were arrested during the period.

The company said the war on crude oil theft is on and the industry-wise security collaboration on hydrocarbon infrastructure continues to record remarkable progress.

NNPCL noted that oil gushes from an illegal connection on a major pipeline in Brass, Bayelsa State.

It further said 33 illegal connections were also uncovered in Ikesi in West Boma, Sapele, Brass, and Tukubu in Bayelsa State, where a vandalized pipeline is undergoing repair.

NNPCL said they were also found in Tunbe and Ebube, Rivers State.

The documentary said 15 vandalized pipelines in the wellhead were reported in Delta states leading to five cases of oil spill in several sites.

It noted that 15 illegal storage sites housing reservoirs and sacks of stolen crude were seized in Delta, Rivers, and Imo States.

NNPCL said 48 (Virtual Artificial Intelligence System (VAI infractions were reported at sea while 63 wooden boats were seized.

It reported that 11 vehicle arrests were made in Rivers and Delta States.

The documentary reported of these incidences, 48 took place in the deep blue water, 25 in the western region, 112 in the central region, and 231 in the eastern region. (GBN)