A truck displaying the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been seized by security operatives in the Niger Delta for transporting stolen crude oil. The truck was among several vehicles confiscated by authorities as part of a broader crackdown on oil theft across the region.
Visual reports released by the NNPC showed the truck surrounded by both government and private security agents. This confiscation is part of a larger operation, which uncovered 36 illegal pipeline connections and dismantled 99 illegal refineries in the past week alone. The NNPC stressed that the fight against crude oil theft continues to gain ground with increased collaboration from various security agencies and industry stakeholders.
Between September 7 and 13, 2024, a total of 218 incidents were recorded across the Niger Delta, with discoveries of illegal pipelines in Rivers State, large reservoirs of stolen crude in Bayelsa, and makeshift refineries in Abia and Akwa Ibom States. These illegal operations were siphoning crude oil from the nation’s coffers, but swift actions by security forces neutralized these threats and prevented further losses.
Vehicles carrying stolen crude were also intercepted in Delta State, with arrests made in both Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. Meanwhile, on water, wooden boats used to transport stolen crude were seized in Abia and Delta States. In total, 35 suspects have been arrested and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.
NNPC vowed to maintain its aggressive stance against oil theft, with the goal of eradicating the menace completely.
