By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), in collaboration with security agencies, has intensified efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft following the arrest of three suspected vandals linked to the destruction of a crude oil pipeline in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A joint inspection team comprising officials of NNPC Ltd.’s Industry-Wide Security Architecture (IWSA), the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army, and other stakeholders visited a vandalized section of the NPSC crude oil pipeline in Pai Community, Kwali Area Council of Abuja, a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd,, Andy Odeh,said on Thursday.
The statement said that yhigh-level inspection was aimed at assessing the extent of damage to the critical national asset, advancing ongoing investigations, and strengthening coordinated efforts to tackle economic sabotage threatening Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
The visit followed a joint operation that led to the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the ONSA Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, and NNPC Ltd.’s Industry-Wide Security Architecture.
NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., manages over 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines across Nigeria.
However, the company has recorded a steady rise in pipeline theft incidents since 2024, with criminal groups allegedly disguising themselves as members of a fake.
“NNPC/Federal Government Task Force for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines” to steal pipeline infrastructure with the assistance of local collaborators.
According to NNPC Ltd., 19 pipeline vandalism cases were reported in 2025, resulting in the theft of approximately nine kilometres of pipeline sections along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and between Piri and Izom on the Warri-Kaduna pipeline axis. In 2026 alone, five cases have already been recorded in Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada and Badanga along the Warri-Kaduna and Jos-Gombe pipeline corridors.
Speaking during the inspection, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the company’s Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against oil infrastructure sabotage.
“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 stressed that pipeline vandalism not only causes substantial 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.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the operation underscored the determination of security agencies to protect critical national infrastructure and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in pipeline theft.
According to him, the suspects were arrested after extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and targeted patrols initiated following reports of interference with sections of the pipeline.
“Our investigations have generated useful leads regarding the sponsors and receivers of the vandalized materials. We are committed to identifying everyone connected to this criminal enterprise and ensuring they face the full weight of the law,” Sanusi stated.
Also speaking, the Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Mr. Goodluck Ebele, appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information capable of preventing pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
“Public vigilance and cooperation remain critical to protecting our national assets and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security. We urge citizens to promptly report suspicious activities around oil and gas facilities,” he said.
Representing the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure through continued collaboration with NNPC Ltd. and other security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Whingan, pledged legislative backing for stronger deterrent measures against pipeline vandalism.
He said the National Assembly would continue to support policies and legal frameworks aimed at protecting critical energy infrastructure and prosecuting offenders.
The renewed collaboration among NNPC Ltd., security agencies, and government stakeholders comes amid growing concerns over the economic impact of pipeline vandalism, which continues to undermine oil production, energy security, and government revenue.
