NNPC Ltd. and security agencies have ramped up efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and safeguard Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure, following the arrest of three suspects and a joint inspection of a vandalised crude oil pipeline in Pai Community, FCT, Abuja.
A statement on Thursday by Mr. Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., highlighted that the arrests in Piri and Pai communities demonstrate a renewed commitment to dismantling criminal networks targeting the nation’s oil and gas facilities.
The inspection involved stakeholders from the Industry-Wide Security Architecture (IWSA), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the FCT Police Command, Nigerian Army, and other security units.
Represented by Mr. Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, Chief Interface Officer of NNPC Ltd., Group CEO Bashir Ojulari described the suspects as part of a larger syndicate and emphasized the focus on identifying and prosecuting the masterminds behind pipeline sabotage. “These acts not only cause massive economic losses but also undermine energy security, national development, and investor confidence,” he said.
FCT Police Commissioner Ahmed Sanusi noted that the operation was intelligence-driven, involving surveillance and targeted patrols, which led to the arrests. Investigations have already provided leads on the sponsors and recipients of stolen pipeline materials.
Mr. Goodluck Ebele, Director of Energy Security at ONSA, called on Nigerians to provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that public vigilance is critical to protecting national assets.
Representing the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s oil and gas infrastructure in coordination with NNPC Ltd. and other agencies.
Legislative support was also pledged by Mr. Sesi Whingan, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), who called for enhanced legal and regulatory measures to deter pipeline vandalism.
The Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., manages over 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines nationwide. NNPC reported that pipeline theft has increased since 2024, with criminals reportedly posing as government task forces to sabotage and steal infrastructure.
In 2025, 19 pipeline theft cases resulted in the loss of approximately nine kilometres of pipeline along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and between Piri and Izom on the Warri-Kaduna pipeline. By 2026, five cases have already been recorded along Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Badanga pipeline corridors.
