By Ewatomilola Fatai(Siwes Student, Westland Polytechnic)
In a major breakthrough, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) revealed in a recent video report that 72 illegal crude oil refineries were discovered across the country within the past week.
This unprecedented crackdown, carried out in collaboration with Nigerian security agencies, exposes a vast network of crude oil theft and vandalism that has long plagued Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The NNPC’s Managing Director, Mele Kyari, emphasized the corporation’s commitment to eradicating oil theft and vandalism, stating, We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to eliminate oil theft and vandalism, and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.
The operation, which involved the Nigerian military and other security forces, resulted in the dismantling of the illegal refineries, the arrest of multiple suspects, and the seizure of equipment and stolen crude oil.
An investigation has also been launched to identify and dismantle the networks behind these illegal activities.
The economic impact of these illegal refineries is severe. Nigeria loses millions of barrels of crude oil each year, leading to substantial revenue losses. Additionally, the environmental damage from these illegal operations, such as oil spills and pollution, poses a significant threat to local ecosystems.
To combat the ongoing issue, the NNPC plans to deploy advanced technology, increase pipeline surveillance, and strengthen partnerships with local communities.
