The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported a concerning surge in crude oil theft incidents across the Niger Delta region. These incidents have become increasingly sophisticated, with oil thieves employing tactics such as installing CCTV cameras on trees, using mortar launchers, and setting up elaborate bunkering sites to evade security forces.
Key Points:
- Incident Details:
- NNPCL has documented 149 cases of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta within a week. Notably, one incident led to the discovery of an oil bunkering site in Osuobodo, located between two ANTAN flow stations south of Oguta naval base in Imo state.
- Sophisticated Methods:
- The oil thieves have escalated their activities by deploying advanced tactics. This includes the installation of CCTV cameras on trees to monitor the presence of security operatives. They have also mounted mortar launchers and defense systems at various locations to thwart perceived threats.
- Military Intervention and Surveillance:
- The military, supported by air surveillance conducted by entities like Target Energy, Tantita Security Services, Operation Delta Safe, and the Military, played a crucial role in uncovering the bunkering site in Osuobodo. This underscores the collaborative efforts to combat oil theft.
- Persistent Operations:
- The thieves have demonstrated a determined resolve to establish semi-permanent operations at these bunkering sites. They have ensured a continuous power supply by having generators on standby.
- Discovery of Crude Oil Storage:
- The operations led to the discovery of drums of crude oil, storage facilities, and equipment used for the illegal connection and storage of stolen crude oil.
- Pipeline Vandalism and Well Head Damage:
- The incidents also included cases of pipeline vandalism, with well heads being targeted. For instance, a well head was vandalized in Obodo Omadina and Ogidigbein in Delta state.
- Vehicle and Boat Arrests:
- NNPCL reported the arrest of vehicles transporting sacks of crude oil in Ozoro, Umuosonwu, and Patani in Delta state. Additionally, 18 wooden boats carrying stolen crude were apprehended in various states including Rivers, Delta, and Imo.
- Regional Breakdown:
- The incidents were spread across different regions, with nine occurring in the deep blue water, 23 in the western region, 67 in the central region, and 50 in the eastern region.
Conclusion: The surge in crude oil theft incidents, coupled with the adoption of increasingly sophisticated methods, presents a significant challenge for security forces and the Nigerian petroleum industry. The collaborative efforts between military intervention and advanced surveillance techniques are critical in combating this illicit activity. Efforts to safeguard oil infrastructure and prevent theft will be instrumental in ensuring the stability and security of the Niger Delta region.
