37 suspected oil thieves die after inhaling fumes in Nigeria
By The BriefBrief
A Nigerian environmental NGO says at least 37 people died while trying to siphon crude oil illegally from a loading vessel. The group said most died after inhaling hazardous fumes at a jetty in Okrika, Rivers State, as oil was being loaded via the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical and Port Harcourt Refinery. Police acknowledged a fatal incident and said investigations were ongoing.
WHO:Youth and Advocacy Centre; Nigerian police
WHAT:Suspected oil thieves died after inhaling hazardous fumes while attempting to siphon crude oil from a vessel at an illegal tapping point.
WHEN:Sep 3, 2026
WHERE:Okrika, Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria
WHY:The deaths occurred during an attempt to siphon crude oil illegally at an illegal tapping point.
