Security outfit uncovers another oil theft spot

Another breach on the 400,000 bpd Trans Forcados Export pipeline from where large quantities of crude oil had beenstolen, was discovered at the weekend by Tantita Security Services Ltd (TSSNL), the surveillance outfit of Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo

The spot, where the illegal pipeline was tapped into the 48-inch Trans Forcados Export pipeline at Ogulagha community, Burutu Council of Delta State, is located behind a military security post, less than a kilometre away.

The spot is also near the Forcados Export Terminal, where oil is officially exported from Nigeria. The illegal pipeline was connected to an abandoned Agip Petroleum Company Ltd pipeline, which ran to a platform in the Sea from where crude oil is illegally loaded into barges and vessels, mostly at night.

A maritime intelligence consultant working for Tantita Security Services, Capt. Waredi Enisuoh, told journalists at the spot that large amount of crude oil had been stolen for years through illegal but professionally done tapping on trunk line.

He said: “This oil field actually belonged to AGIP and the pipe belongs to a filing station. So, instead of piping crude to the filing station, the smartest boys in the room decided to export crude through that particular jacket.

“They stole crude oil by cutting into the AGIP pipeline, connecting theirs, which goes through this particular riser.

“At night, they will bring a ship close to that particular platform reconnect their flange to fit into the ship and off they go.”

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, who visited the spot at the weekend, said the company would continue to collaborate with host communities and other stakeholders to ensure that all oil and gas facility are secured. He was represented by the General Manager, Gas Development Division, NAPIMS, Mr. Buduwara Bitrus Zakariya.