NNPC uncovers 55 illegal refineries in one week, lists hotspots of crude oil theft

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the discovery of 55 illegal refineries and 29 illicit pipeline connections across the Niger Delta region within the span of one week.

In a video documentary shared on its official YouTube channel, the NNPCL revealed that 179 cases of oil theft were recorded across the region. The operations, which took place from January 11 to 17, 2025, also resulted in the arrest of 30 suspects and the identification of various illegal oil installations.

"An industry-wide security collaboration to safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure continues to yield remarkable results," the company said in the broadcast.

The NNPCL outlined the various companies and stakeholders involved in the collective efforts to combat crude oil theft, including: NNPCL Command and Control Centres; Shell Petroleum Development Company; Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited; Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited; OANDO PLC; Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG); Tantita Security Services; Government Security Agencies.

Breaking down the 179 incidents of oil theft, the NNPCL detailed the following regional figures: five incidents in the Western Corridor, 90 in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, and 14 in the Deep Blue Water area.

The company also identified several hotspots for crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. These include Buguma Southeast, Bile, Okoloma, and Kaotan Channel in Rivers State. Additionally, Bayelsa State has been highlighted as a key area where illegal oil activities persist. The NNPCL reported intercepting suspects and seizing proceeds from such criminal operations in the state.

Joint security efforts led to the discovery of illegal pipeline connections in Bayelsa and Abia states. "Security personnel dismantled illegal refineries producing black market petroleum products," the NNPCL stated.

Further findings included the uncovering of hidden storage sites used for illegal oil operations in areas such as Buguma Southeast, Okoloma, Obrikom, and Ayama in Rivers, and Ozaukwu in Abia. In addition, the NNPCL reported oil spills, including a condensate pipeline leak at Nwaduloke community in Rivers State and a damaged wellhead in Buguma.

Security forces also intercepted and seized vehicles transporting crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia states. On the waterways, wooden fibre boats filled with crude oil were confiscated at Asa and Bile in Rivers State.

The NNPCL reiterated its commitment to continue the fight against crude oil theft until the issue is completely eradicated.