179 oil theft cases in just one week – NNPCL reports
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the discovery of 179 incidents of crude oil theft within the past week.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to combating crude oil theft and vandalism through ongoing industry-wide security collaborations aimed at protecting hydrocarbon infrastructure.
In a video released by NNPCL, the incidents were documented between January 11 and 17 across the Niger Delta region. During this period, 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illicit refineries were uncovered.
“Between January 11 and 17, 2025, a total of 179 incidents were identified in the Niger Delta region, thanks to the coordinated efforts of NNPC Limited’s Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and government security agencies,” the company stated.
Security forces in Bayelsa and Abia States detected and repaired illegal pipeline connections, while operatives dismantled illegal refineries producing black-market petroleum products in Rivers and Abia States.
Hidden storage sites used for unlawful activities were also discovered and destroyed in Rivers and other parts of Abia.
The crackdown also revealed acts of sabotage, including vandalized condensate pipelines and damaged wellheads in Rivers, which caused several oil spills.
Security teams intercepted and confiscated vehicles carrying stolen crude oil on roads in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia, while wooden fiber boats loaded with stolen crude were seized on waterways.
NNPCL further disclosed that the 179 incidents occurred across different regions, including 90 in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in Deep Blue Water. Thirty suspects were arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.
The company reiterated its unwavering resolve to eliminate crude oil theft.
According to reports, 128 illegal refineries have been discovered in the first two weeks of 2025. Between January 4 and 10, 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illegal refineries were uncovered in the Niger Delta. Oil theft continues to hinder Nigeria’s ability to meet its annual oil production targets.
