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188 OIL THEFT CASES RECORDED IN ONE WEEK

• Posted on September 05, 2024
• Business
• By admin

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reported 188 cases of oil theft between August 24 and 30, 2024, with incidents spread across the Niger Delta. Key findings include:

1. Illegal Refineries: 89 illegal refineries were located and dismantled in Bayelsa, Abia, and Rivers States.
2. Connections and Spills: Numerous illegal pipeline connections caused oil spills in these states.
3. Seizures: Trucks and boats transporting stolen crude oil were seized in Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.
4. Arrests: 31 suspects were arrested and handed over to authorities.
5. Vandalism: Metal-laden boats from vandalized oil wells were intercepted.

NNPCL's CHALLENGES:
NNPCL's CEO, Mele Kyari, described oil theft as Nigeria's most severe economic crime. He revealed that over 4,800 illegal pipeline connections have been dismantled but warned that many more remain in operation. Kyari expressed frustration with the persistence of oil theft despite their efforts, highlighting that these illegal connections are massive and require advanced expertise to install, causing significant losses to Nigeria's oil industry.