NNPC Ltd records 127 crude oil thefts in 7 days – Report
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) said it recorded 127 crude oil thefts between December 2 and December 8.
According to the company in its weekly report on its fight against crude oil theft, it uncovered 51 illegal refineries, 29 illegal connections and discovered eight vessels that had Automatic Identification System (AIS) infraction.
In the report posted on its official ‘X’ handle Tuesday, six acts of pipeline vandalism were detected, five illegal storage sites discovered, 13 arrests were made including wooden boats, 11 vehicles arrested in Imo State and three oil spills were reported.
The company further explained that the incidents occurred across various locations in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Abia and Imo State.
Three thieves were apprehended in Isoko South, while three others are now on the run.
“Two of the arrested individuals identified themselves as, Bernard Innocent from Isoko South in Delta State, and Adam Akpobome Godstime, a resident of Owodokpokpo in Delta State.
“The incident took place in different regions, nine took place in the deep blue water, 50 in the eastern region, 45 in the central region while 23 took place in the western region,” it said.
Also, Tantita Security Services Ltd busted a vessel stealing crude oil from a wellhead offshore in Ondo State, after their initial resistance was overpowered by the private security outfit.
The vessel is currently in the custody of the Nigerian Navy and it is reported to have carried out “dark activities” in Ghana on November 29 and between August and October, it engaged in four illegal actions.
