Surveillance operation in Bayelsa uncovers illegal bunkering camps, perpetrators

The discovery of an illegal bunkering camp in Bayelsa State has linked prominent security firms to widespread oil theft operations.

Surveillance security operatives, who conducted patrols in the Okoroba axis of the Nembe Local Government Area (LGA), Bayelsa State and Elemuama axis discovered a remote bunkering camp.

Consequently, the operatives moved to dismantle the illegal operation, uncovering startling evidence implicating a local firm owned by a lawyer.

This evidence is a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb such activities.

Further investigation revealed two additional unauthorised bunkering camps nearby.

The surveillance team seized and subsequently destroyed two large boats loaded with crude oil and a fibre boat, which were set ablaze to prevent further illicit activities.

These boats could carry large quantities of oil, indicating the scale of the operation.

On October 10, 2023, the Nigerian Senate, in its commitment to addressing the issue, revealed that the country lost N2.3 trillion to crude oil theft.

Senator Ned Nwoko revealed that pipeline vandalism and oil bunkering have precipitated a severe socio-economic crisis in Nigeria.

He said that statistical data underscores the gravity of the situation, further exacerbated by the complicity of some security agents collaborating with the perpetrators.

In a recent disclosure, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd reported a staggering 400 incidents of crude oil theft within the past week.

The bulk of the 400 incidents recorded during the week occurred in the Western region of Rivers and Bayelsa states, with 265 incidences.

They include illegal refineries, unauthorised pipeline connections, vandalism, oil spills, and unlicensed storage sites.

From June 15 to June 21, 2024, the NNPC identified 165 illegal refineries, 69 unauthorised connections, 15 acts of vandalism, eight oil spills, and 19 illegal storage locations.

Additionally, there were 74 vessel AIS infractions, among other violations.

For several years, oil producers have lamented the debilitating effects of pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and illegal crude trafficking.

Some of the worst-hit companies transport their crude through significant arteries like the NCTL.

These disruptions not only lead to production downtime and loss of crude oil but also incur additional expenses for facility repairs.

Gangs and operatives identified in the surveillance operation are primarily responsible for these actions.

While the extent of their independent operations is still being determined, it is evident that these people are audacious and require the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Police to introduce measures like asset confiscation, freezing the bank accounts of known criminals using their BVNs, arrests and expedited prosecutions.

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