crime

Nigeria Achieves Major Crude Oil Theft Reduction in 2025

Published

1 year ago

September 12, 2025

Nigeria crude oil theft reduction reaches 50% in 2025, with losses falling to lowest since 2009, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission

Nigeria crude oil theft reduction efforts have recorded a historic success, with the country slashing oil losses by over 50 per cent in the first seven months of 2025, according to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

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In a statement issued Thursday, NUPRC spokesperson Eniola Akinkuotu said the nation lost just 2.04 million barrels of crude oil between January and July 2025, averaging 9,600 barrels per day—the lowest figure recorded since 2009.

By comparison, losses in 2024 stood at 4.1 million barrels, while in 2021—the peak year—Nigeria lost a staggering 37.6 million barrels, averaging 102,900 barrels daily.

This marks a powerful 94.6 per cent reduction over four years, highlighting a substantial improvement in operational control.

The NUPRC attributed the progress to a combination of stronger regulation, improved security collaboration, and local community engagement.

At the heart of this decline is the Commission’s metering audit initiative, which ensures transparency in measuring crude oil production and exports.

This system has helped eliminate data discrepancies that previously masked theft and under-reporting.

The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 also played a pivotal role by providing a modernised regulatory framework, empowering the commission to act decisively.

To reinforce this momentum, NUPRC, under the leadership of Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe, has approved 37 new crude evacuation routes designed to bypass high-theft corridors and improve delivery efficiency.

The Commission said it is employing a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

On the kinetic side, enhanced cooperation with security agencies, oil firms, and host communities is strengthening physical protection of oil infrastructure.

On the non-kinetic side, regulatory tightening through audits and system reviews is closing loopholes in operations and reporting.

“We have tightened regulations and introduced strategic initiatives like metering audits across upstream facilities,” the statement noted.

Oyeleke Banmeke, Executive Coordinator of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, confirmed in June that oil theft had dropped sharply, applauding the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, especially in the Niger Delta region.

Analysts say the falling loss rates are restoring investor confidence, boosting government revenue, and signalling renewed stability in Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.

Also read: Nigeria Economy Projection Faces Harsh Reality, Says Afrinvest

With consistent surveillance, regulatory innovation, and stakeholder cooperation, Nigeria appears firmly on course to sustain this turnaround and protect its vital energy sector.

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crime

Police Arrest Convicted Drug Dealer, Rescue 14-Year-Old Boy in Bauchi

Published

7 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi drug dealer arrest leads to the rescue of a 14-year-old boy allegedly used as a drug courier and the recovery of suspected illicit substances

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer and rescued a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly being used to deliver illicit drugs in the state.

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The command said operatives of its Violent Crimes Response Unit intercepted the teenager during a routine patrol and recovered a granular whitish substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to Habib, the operatives, led by the unit’s officer-in-charge, intercepted the minor, identified as Samuel Nkemakolan Kosi, at about 11 am on October 26, 2026, while he was allegedly on his way to deliver the suspected drug, also known as Ice, to a customer.

The statement said the teenager told investigators that he had been sent by Samuel Ogochukwu, a 22-year-old convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery.

“Upon interrogation, the minor confessed that he was sent by one Samuel Ogochukwu, 22 years old, a convicted drug dealer, to make the delivery,” Habib said.

Following the information, detectives traced Ogochukwu to his location and arrested him.

A search of the suspect’s shop and residence reportedly led to the recovery of 3.5 grammes of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, 17 sachets of 100mg tramadol capsules, five sachets of 300mg pregabalin capsules and seven sachets of diazepam.

The police also recovered 12 Exol tablets, two wraps of a substance known as Yellow Boys and one sachet of Shine Shine Leather.

Habib said the principal suspect told investigators that he received supplies of illicit drugs through waybills from Onitsha, Anambra State.

The police spokesman added that the 14-year-old had been handled in accordance with juvenile best practices and would be reunited with his family after counselling.

“The 14-year-old minor has been handled in line with juvenile best practices and will be reunited with his family after counselling, while the principal suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, commended the operatives for their work and urged the public to remain alert to criminal activity.

According to Habib, the commissioner said four major drug busts and subsequent convictions recorded within 10 days demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking.