Nigeria
NNPCL Uncovers 77 New Illegal Refineries and Pipelines in One Week
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered 77 illegal refineries and pipelines within a week, intensifying efforts to combat oil theft and economic sabotage.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited reported the discovery of multiple illegal refineries and pipelines throughout the Niger Delta region.
In 2024, Nigeria experienced more than 589 oil spills, primarily due to oil theft.
An analysis of the data revealed that authorities discovered 58 illegal refineries and identified 19 unauthorized pipeline connections.
In a documentary video released on Tuesday via its official YouTube channel, the NNPCL reported encountering 159 cases of oil theft in the region.
The discoveries occurred during a series of operations conducted from January 18 to 24, 2025.
The operations resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects and uncovered numerous illegal oil installations.
“The broadcast states that the industry-wide security collaboration to protect hydrocarbon infrastructure is achieving remarkable results.”
It provided a list of various companies and stakeholders involved in the operations, such as NMPC Ltd’s Command and Control Centre, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, Maton Engineering Nigeria Ltd, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Oando PLC, and Government Security Agencies.
This development follows the national oil company’s announcement last week regarding the discovery of 55 illegal refineries and 29 unauthorized pipeline connections.
NNPCL highlighted several significant incidents of oil theft, including a major breach reported on the Oando to NLNG Bonny gas pipeline system in Rivers State.
Additionally, vandalism of a gas pipeline led to its shutdown, disrupting the gas supply to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
The national oil company reported discovering several cases of crude oil pipeline vandalism and illegal connections to condensate pipelines in the Ikenzi and Oruma areas of Bayelsa State.
The broadcast notes that similar breaches were discovered in Ugu, Edo State; Ipu South, Abia State; and at a wellhead in Buguma, River State.
The company reported that all unauthorized connections had been eliminated and repairs were successfully completed.
Illegal refineries were reportedly found in Bile, Boni, Oigu, Okoloma, Ayama, and Ward 7 in Dema Abe—all located within River State.
An analysis of the 159 incidents in the Niger Delta region revealed that seven occurred in the Western corridor, 72 in the Central Corridor, 41 in the Eastern corridor, and 39 took place in Deep Blue water.
The company stressed that the fight against crude oil theft will persist, adding that their determination to combat this issue remains steadfast.
