The Federal Government has increased its probe into the massive crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) also said all those found guilty are going to face prosecution.
It added that the oil company was working with security agencies and the private firm contracted to carry out pipeline surveillance in the oil-rich region.
In August, it was reported that the Federal Government awarded a pipeline surveillance contract worth N48bn per annum to a firm run by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo, to curb the massive oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Within two months after the contract was awarded, Ekpemupolo announced the discovery of at least 58 illegal points in Delta and Bayelsa states where crude oil was being stolen.
When told about the discoveries by Tompolo and asked if the Federal Government would probe the theft and punish those responsibly, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC Limited, Garba-Deen Muhammad, said culprits would be prosecuted.
“Since it is a breach against the law, whether on pipelines or not, the law will certainly take its course. But it is not NNPC that will handle that aspect,” he stated.
Muhammad added, “It is the law itself, the GCEO (Group Chief Executive Officer) said it on site when he visited the areas. He said when these people are found the law will take its course.”
