Security operatives have arrested 25 suspected crude oil thieves in one week in the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stated this in its documentary titled” War on crude oil theft.”
The national oil company also said from August 31- September 6, 2024, security operatives discovered 63 illegal crude oil connections.
The security firms were Tantita Security Services; Shell Petroleum Development Company (SDPC); Pipeline infrastructure Nigeria Ltd; Manton Engineering; Heirs Energy Ltd; Oando PLC; NNPCL Command and Control Centre; and government security agencies.
The documentary said, ” 25 suspects were arrested all of whom have been handed over to government security agencies for further investigation”
NNPCL said in the period under review, 302 incidences were recorded.
Forty-eight of the incidences, said the documentary, took place in deep blue water, 81 in the central region, 134 in the eastern region, and 39 in the western region.
NNPCL said in Bayelsa State, repels were swiftly executed on pipelines in Bobokiri, Kwokwokiri, Efonosa, Nembe and Kusho.
It further revealed that in Rivers State, authority uncovered secret storage locations at Okrika 6 and Guguma South East while in Bayelsa State, illegal crude oil meant for the black market were seized in Oliobiri, and Kaima
The documentary also said in Rivers State, law enforcement agencies apprehended a vehicle filled with stolen crude oil packed in Jerry cans.
It added that the driver was apprehend before he could escape.
Earlier, NNPCL revealed that “at about 2:00am on the 8th of September 2024, a joint team of Manton Engineering Company; Tantita Security Services; the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps on night patrol discovered a large wooden boat releasing loaded crude oil from a barge AGSO 1 at the court on Channel one flow station within OML 18 Operating area.”
The discovery, according to the documentary, was based on credible intelligence.
It also said the large wooden boat was caught receiving crude oil from the barge.
NNPCL said the large AGSO Channel one was told to cover channel flow station oil toy boat FSHO2, which is also in custody.
The documentary said five speed boats used in towing the large wooden boat to the illegal loading site were detained.
It further disclosed that the particulars of boat and barge used for the illegal operation have been seized for further investigation.
Reiterating its commitment to end the illegal deal and operation, the documentary vowed that
“For NNPCL there is no backing down on the war on crude oil theft until the menace is eradicated for good.”
