The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed the discovery of 58 illegal refineries and 19 illegal pipeline connections in the Niger Delta, following a series of operations between January 18 and 24, 2025. These operations were part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft, a major issue in the region, with over 589 oil spills recorded in 2024—most attributed to illegal oil activities.

During this crackdown, NNPCL discovered various illegal oil installations and arrested 25 suspects. A video documentary posted on the company’s official YouTube channel highlighted the extent of the damage caused by oil theft, revealing a total of 159 incidents in the region.

The operations were the result of a collaborative effort among several companies and government agencies, including NMPC Ltd’s Command and Control Centre, Shell Petroleum, Oando PLC, and various security agencies. NNPCL noted significant breaches, such as vandalism of the Oando to NLNG Boni gas pipeline and several incidents of pipeline theft in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

Illegal refineries were discovered in locations such as Bile, Boni, and Okoloma in Rivers State, while various pipeline breaches were exposed across multiple states. NNPCL confirmed that all illegal connections had been removed and repairs completed.

Despite the challenges, the company emphasized its commitment to continuing the fight against oil theft, stating that its resolve to safeguard the nation’s hydrocarbon infrastructure remains firm. The company also reassured the public that ongoing security collaborations are yielding positive results in reducing these criminal activities.