NNPCL uncovers 223 illegal connections, refineries

By Abiodun OBA

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered 223 fresh illegal connections and refineries within the Niger Delta region.

The incidents were recorded between the 10th and 16th of February 2024.

This was disclosed by the Company in its weekly report on war against crude oil theft.

According to the Company, Matron Engineering facilities reported 27 incidents, 21 by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company facilities 7, four by Tantita Security Services Ltd, and 156 by government security agencies.

It further disclosed that an oil pit feeding directly from an oil source was discovered in Okirika, Rivers State, adding that 20 illegal connections were discovered across several locations in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States.

The Company noted that so far, 52 suspects have been arrested adding that 8 of these incidents were recorded in deep blue waters, 32 in the western region, 123 in the central region, and 60 in the eastern region part of the Niger Delta.

“For NNPC Limited, there is no backing down on the war on crude oil theft until the menace is eradicated,” it said.