The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has Disclosed a new strategy Employed by Crude Oil Thieves, involving the Installation of closed-circuit Television cameras on trees to evade Security Personnel.
Additionally, the Company reported a total of 149 Cases of Oil Theft documented in the Niger Delta region over one week.
According to a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday evening, the Company highlighted an Instance in Osuobodo, where an Oil Bunkering site was discovered between two ANTAN flow Stations south of the Oguta naval base in Imo State.
The statement revealed that the Criminals had taken their Illicit activities to a more Sophisticated level by Employing CCTV cameras Installed on trees to monitor the presence of Security Forces.
Furthermore, mortar launchers and defense systems were observed in various locations to counter any potential threat.
The discovery was made possible through Collaborative efforts Involving Air Surveillance conducted by Target Energy, Tantita Security services, Operation Delta Safe, and the Military in August.
The statement also noted that despite the lack of Electricity, the Oil thieves had generators on standby to ensure continuous Operations at the camp.
During the period between October 14 and 20, 2023, the Company uncovered 49 Illegal connections in various locations, including Udu and Ogharefe in Delta State, Ohaji Egbema in Imo State, Brass in Bayelsa, and Rivers State.
Numerous drums of Crude Oil, equipment for storing Crude, and other related Materials were found at these Sites, Indicating the extent of the Illegal activities in the Region.
