Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has asserted that crude oil theft in Nigeria involves complicity from various quarters.

Kyari made these remarks on Wednesday during an oversight function by the House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft at the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Kyari revealed that the company had encountered approximately 9,000 infractions on its pipelines within a year, deactivating 6,465 illegal refineries and removing 4,876 unauthorized pipeline connections.

Concerning the persisting challenges, Kyari emphasized the pervasive nature of crude oil theft, stating, “It is very obvious that everyone is involved

He lamented the audacity of perpetrators, noting that illegal activities often occurred near settlements and government offices, hindering efforts to ensure uninterrupted oil production

Kyari underscored the imperative of enhanced security measures, disclosing initiatives to integrate multiple security agencies and private security firms to combat pipeline vandalism.

Chairman of the Special Committee, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, echoed Kyari’s sentiments, describing the daunting task of safeguarding oil and gas pipelines in Nigeria.

Ado-Doguwa highlighted the prevalence of infractions across various segments of the oil industry, including wellheads, flow stations, and export terminals, attributing these challenges to operational difficulties and regulatory shortcomings.

He criticized the lack of transparency in regulatory activities at crude oil export terminals, citing instances of illicit activities facilitated by official connivance

In conclusion, Ado-Doguwa emphasized the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the pervasive issue of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly within the Niger Delta region