Theft of crude oil: FG finds unauthorized pipeline connections in Abia

A group sent by President Bola Tinubu to investigate oil theft in the Niger Delta discovered an unauthorized oil hookup on Saturday.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) claimed in a statement that the illicit connection found in Owaza, Abia State, costs the nation an average of $7.2 million every month.

According to NNPCL, illegal refineries and the environmental destruction the team witnessed resulted in significant economic losses for the country.

Members of the delegation include service leaders and Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), who is led by Malam Muhammed Badaru, Minister of Defence.

Other members are Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Ekperipe Ekpo, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas).

Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, the commander of "Operation Delta Safe," as well as representatives from security services and the heads of regulatory organizations for the oil and gas industry, are also members of the team.

The team went to the right of way for the Trans-Niger Pipeline at Owaza, Abia, where numerous illicit connections were removed.

The culprits are urged to "cease and desist from crude oil theft and economic sabotage," according to Badaru, who added that "We are prepared to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger Delta."