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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has dismantled a total of 65 unauthorized pipeline connections in River State and other states in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
NNPCL reported that a gas station was shut down for selling illegally refined fuel to drivers in Akwa Ibom State.
As per a documentary released by NNPCL on Tuesday, 65 unauthorized pipeline connections were identified and dismantled in the past week in Rivers and other states in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
"310 incidents were documented between May 18 and 24 across the Niger Delta region," NNPCL revealed while outlining its efforts to combat oil theft and vandalism.
Our reporter learned that the gas station selling illegally refined fuel was uncovered at Grey Creek in Akwa Ibom State.
The 122 unauthorized refineries were located at Tomble II, III, IV, Umuajuloke, Rivers State, as well as Oporomor III, Eduwini, and Ajatiton in Bayelsa State.
Damaged well heads were reportedly found in Tomble IV, Rivers and Egbema in Imo State.
A pit filled with crude oil from a vandalised wellhead was also discovered.
Five unauthorized storage locations were discovered where oil was being stored in various containers such as sacks, pits, cans, and at a filling station, as reported by the energy company.
In Delta and Imo states, a total of twenty vehicles, including a tanker, were confiscated, and in Bayelsa and Delta states, 29 boats involved in transporting crude oil or illegally refined products were seized from multiple creeks.
It has been reported that 33 individuals have been apprehended in connection with these incidents.
The NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, recently stressed the importance of addressing insecurity in the oil and gas sector in order to boost production.
Kyari pointed out that the nation's crude oil production continues to decline due to theft and sabotage.
He emphasized the need to address security challenges in onshore assets to increase oil production and ensure that the infrastructure is available to deliver the volume to the market.
Kyari highlighted the significance of resolving security challenges in order to attract investment in oil production, stating that over 5,800 illegal connections from pipelines and over 6,000 illegal refineries have been dismantled in the past two years.
He emphasized that solving these problems is essential to attracting investment in the industry.
