The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered a total of 214 incidents of oil theft within the past week alone, News About Nigeria reports.
The oil theft incidents were documented across various locations in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The NNPCL shared its findings in a video documentary released on Tuesday, outlining the period from January 13 to 19, 2024.
The report stated that 72 illegal refineries were discovered, particularly in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia States.
Also, an illegal refinery in Ogubolo, Rivers, was showcased as it underwent destruction by authorities.
The breakdown of incidents revealed that 42 illegal oil connections were uncovered in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
Additionally, 26 cases of vandalism were reported in Rivers and Imo, with ongoing repair efforts.
Two oil spills caused by vandals were documented in Bayelsa, while eight illegal storage sites were discovered in various Niger Delta locations, including Isiokpo and Okrika in Rivers State.
Furthermore, sacks of oil were reportedly discovered in Oporomor, Bayelsa, Obuzor in Abia, and Ohaji/Egbema in Imo.
The NNPC also reported the arrest and confiscation of 49 wooden boats conveying stolen crude in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers.
Additionally, eight cases of Vessel AIS infractions and seven cases of vehicles conveying stolen crude were documented in Delta.
The visual report presented geographical insights into the distribution of incidents, with eight cases in Blue Water, 28 in the Eastern region, 146 in the Central region, and 32 in the Western region of the Niger Delta.
During this period, 39 people were arrested.
This recent disclosure follows earlier reports indicating 157 incidents of crude oil theft between December 30, 2023, and January 5, 2024, as well as 211 incidents recorded between January 6 and 12, with 83 illegal refineries identified in the Niger Delta.
