NNPCL intensifies anti-theft battle as oil output declines

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is stepping up efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, as the country’s oil production continues to plummet, writes OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO

In an update on its fight against crude oil theft in the country in July, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said it uncovered 162 illegal pipeline connections and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, mostly in Bayelsa State.

In a two-minute documentary, the state-owned oil firm said 93 illegal pipeline connections and 69 illegal refineries were uncovered in Aboa and Gbokoda between July 15 and 21, and had been destroyed.

“War on crude oil theft: 93 illegal pipeline connections discovered and 69 illegal refineries destroyed in the Niger Delta in the past week,” the company declared.