The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered a total of 77 illegal refineries and pipeline connections across the Niger Delta, in operations conducted between January 18 and 24, 2025.

The findings come amid escalating concerns over oil theft, with NNPCL recording 159 incidents of oil theft in the region. This includes the discovery of 58 illegal refineries and 19 illegal pipeline connections, marking a significant blow to the illegal oil trade.

The operations, which led to the arrest of 25 suspects, were part of a coordinated effort to safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure. Key stakeholders in the operation included NNPCL’s Command and Control Centre, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Oando PLC, and various government security agencies.

The NNPCL also highlighted significant incidents of oil theft, including a breach in the Oando to NLNG Boni gas pipeline system in Rivers State, which led to a disruption in gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Similar vandalism of pipelines was recorded in Bayelsa, Edo, Abia, and Rivers States.

The company emphasized that all illegal connections had been removed, and repairs were completed successfully. Despite these efforts, the NNPCL affirmed its commitment to continuing the fight against crude oil theft, stating that its resolve remains strong.

These discoveries come just one week after NNPCL announced the uncovering of 55 illegal refineries and 29 illegal pipeline connections. The fight against oil theft remains a top priority for the national oil company.

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