NNPCL reports 128 crude oil theft cases in early October.

Between September 30 and October 6, a disturbing total of 128 crude oil theft incidents sent shockwaves throughout the oil-producing regions of the Niger Delta, painting a grim picture of ongoing illicit activities that threaten both the environment and the economy.

This revelation stems from a comprehensive report featured in the weekly “Energy and You” series, a production by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)

, and broadcast on the NTA News Network.

In the span of just one week, the specific time frame in question, a plethora of illicit activities tarnished the oil sector’s integrity. The tally included a disconcerting array of 17 cases of unauthorized connections, 27 illegal refineries, 11 infractions linked to vessel tracking systems (AIS), and a staggering 49 instances of arrests involving wooden boats engaged in illegal activities.

Furthermore, the week bore witness to 10 cases of pipeline vandalism and an equal number of vehicle-related arrests. Authorities also uncovered and took decisive action against two illegal storage sites. Moreover, they identified an oil spill site and apprehended individuals involved with a vessel engaged in illegal activities.

The report further underscored a pivotal incident that unfolded during that ominous week, one involving Tantita Security Services Limited. Their vigilant personnel stumbled upon a vandalized wellhead offshore in Warri, Delta State, with crude oil spewing into the sea, triggering environmental pollution.

Even more troubling, the security outfit received intelligence indicating that foreign ships were clandestinely siphoning oil from this location and subsequently selling it in neighboring countries, exacerbating the environmental and economic ramifications of the situation.

The sheer breadth of crude oil theft incidents during this week is disconcerting, as they unfolded across a multitude of locations in Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo states, all of which are situated within the vulnerable Niger Delta.

Perhaps the most concerning aspect is the geographical dispersion of these thefts across various maritime regions. Within the Deep Blue Water alone, an audacious 12 incidents of crude oil theft took place, revealing the unwavering determination of criminals to venture into even more challenging and deeper maritime areas.

Closer to the coast, the Western region bore the brunt of this issue, accounting for a staggering 37 reported theft incidents, underscoring the gravity of the situation in this particular area.

Progressing towards the heart of the Niger Delta, the Central region experienced 25 incidents of crude oil theft, further amplifying the dire need for intervention.

However, the most staggering figures emerged from the Eastern region of the Niger Delta, where an alarming 54 incidents of crude oil theft were recorded. This concentration of illicit activities raises grave concerns about the extent and audacity of the criminal enterprises in this area.

Addressing the Menace: Senate Initiatives
Recognizing the urgency and gravity of the situation, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, issued a directive on Tuesday, October 10, mobilizing the Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream, and Gas), Host Communities, and Niger Delta Affairs to launch comprehensive investigations into the activities of various stakeholders. These stakeholders include security forces, militia groups, local residents, oil company employees, and any individuals or entities suspected of employing sophisticated methods to pilfer from oil facilities.

This directive came on the heels of revelations by Senator Ned Nwoko, who disclosed that Nigeria had already incurred staggering losses amounting to N2.3 trillion due to crude oil theft in the current year. Such financial losses highlight the dire need for a multifaceted approach to tackle this pervasive issue.

In conclusion, the prevalence of crude oil theft incidents in the Niger Delta is not only alarming but also indicative of the multifaceted challenges confronting the region. Immediate and concerted efforts are essential to curb these activities and protect the environment and the economy from the devastating consequences of such criminal actions. The Nigerian Senate’s initiative to investigate and address the issue is a significant step towards resolving this critical challenge.