The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and security agencies have intensified efforts to tackle pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, following a joint inspection of a vandalised section of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The high-powered team, comprising officials of NNPC Ltd.’s Industry Wide Security Architecture (IWSA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army and other security stakeholders, visited the site to assess the damage, advance investigations and strengthen measures against economic sabotage.
A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Andy Odeh, said the inspection followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in Piri and Pai communities during a joint operation by the ONSA Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command and the NNPC Industry Wide Security Architecture.
According to the statement, pipeline theft across NPSC’s over 5,000-kilometre crude oil and petroleum products network has continued to rise since 2024, with criminal gangs allegedly disguising themselves as “NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines” while collaborating with locals to steal critical national assets.
The company disclosed that 19 cases of pipeline theft were recorded in 2025, resulting in the loss of about nine kilometres of pipeline along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and between Piri and Izom on the Warri-Kaduna pipeline route. In 2026 alone, five cases have already been reported at Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada and Badanga along the Jos-Gombe pipeline corridor.
Speaking during the inspection, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the fight against pipeline vandalism.
“The industry-wide security architecture has been actively pursuing criminal elements involved in the sabotage of our energy infrastructure. Those apprehended are only a small part of a larger network. Our focus remains on identifying and bringing to justice the masterminds and sponsors behind these criminal activities,” he said.
Ojulari warned that pipeline vandalism not only causes huge economic losses but also threatens national development, energy security and investor confidence.
“We will continue to work closely with our security partners to ensure these crimes are decisively addressed,” he added.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the operation demonstrated the determination of security agencies to protect critical national assets and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in pipeline theft.
He revealed that the suspects were arrested after extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance and targeted patrol operations following reports of interference with sections of the pipeline.
“Investigations have already generated useful leads regarding the sponsors and receivers of the vandalised materials. Everyone connected with this crime will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Sanusi stated.
Also speaking, Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Mr. Goodluck Ebele, urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage.
He stressed that public vigilance and cooperation remain essential to protecting national assets and strengthening the country’s energy security.
Representing the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to working closely with NNPC Ltd. and other security agencies to secure oil and gas infrastructure across the country.
Similarly, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Whingan, pledged legislative backing for tougher legal and regulatory measures aimed at deterring pipeline vandalism and safeguarding Nigeria’s energy assets.
