The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has uncovered a staggering 179 incidents of crude oil theft in just one week.
Between January 11 and 17, 2025, the company identified 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illicit refineries in the Niger Delta region. 
These figures underline the growing crisis of oil theft, which continues to threaten the country’s oil production targets.
The NNPCL’s efforts to combat this crime were part of a coordinated operation with security agencies and industry partners.
The company’s Command and Control Centre, alongside groups like Tantita Security Agency and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, played a pivotal role in identifying and addressing these crimes.
“Between January 11 and 17, 2025, a total of 179 incidents were identified in the Niger Delta region, thanks to the coordinated efforts of NNPC Limited’s Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and government security agencies,” NNPCL stated.
This ongoing battle is not only about security, but also about protecting vital national resources. In addition to the 29 illegal pipelines found, 55 illegal refineries were also discovered and dismantled.
These refineries were responsible for producing black-market petroleum products, further damaging the country’s oil industry.
Moreover, hidden storage sites used for unlawful activities were uncovered and destroyed in several states, including Rivers and Abia.
The authorities also found acts of sabotage, such as vandalized condensate pipelines and damaged wellheads, which caused oil spills and environmental damage.
The impact of these thefts is far-reaching. Oil theft continues to hinder Nigeria’s ability to meet its annual oil production targets, and the cost is felt by every Nigerian.
As NNPCL continues its operations, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating this crime.
“NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to combating crude oil theft and vandalism through ongoing industry-wide security collaborations aimed at protecting hydrocarbon infrastructure,” the company added.
With security forces intercepting stolen crude on both land and water routes in the affected regions, the crackdown is having some effect.
However, the fight is far from over. In the first two weeks of 2025 alone, 128 illegal refineries have been discovered, with 73 illegal refineries uncovered between January 4 and 10.
This relentless cycle of theft undermines the country’s oil sector and jeopardizes its economic stability.
NNPCL’s resolve to eliminate crude oil theft remains firm, as it continues to collaborate with various partners to protect the nation’s valuable oil resources.
Crude oil theft in the Niger Delta is a painful and destructive issue, fueled by greed and criminal intent.
The urgent need for action has never been clearer, and stakeholders must work together to address this growing problem.
However, without swift and decisive measures, the continued theft of crude oil will only escalate, causing further harm to the nation’s economy and environment.
