Over 295 illegal pipelines connected to individuals’ homes, churches, mosques – Kyari reveals

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has uncovered some disturbing details of how Nigeria’s crude oil is being stolen by some individuals with the support of members of the public.

According to the NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, said that the recent investigations have disclosed that there are about 295 illegal pipeline connections across Nigeria has been connected to individuals’ homes, Churches and Mosques whereby the activities have made it difficult for oil companies to function optimally.

“Some Nigerians vandalized the pipelines and connected the pipelines to their homes, mosques, and churches.

“NNPC succeeded in investigating a recent fire incident that occurred in one of the pipelines and it was discovered that some of the pipelines were vandalized and people connected the pipeline to their homes, churches, and mosques.

“Various investigations disclosed that there are around 295 illegal pipeline connections across Nigeria and these illegal activities have made it difficult for oil companies to function optionally,” he said.

He explained that it is impossible for the members of the public where these illegal pipelines were discovered to claim that they do not know what is going on around them.

“It is impossible for people in these communities where the illegal pipelines were discovered to claim that they do not see trucks coming into the community to load petroleum products and leave on a frequent basis.”

He also expressed concern that considering the current discovery, it is difficult to say that some government officials are not involved in the whole mess.

According to Mele Kyari, it is worrisome that nothing has been done about the illegal pipelines despite the huge volume of petroleum products Nigeria has been losing as a result of these illegal activities.