The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd. and security agencies have strengthened their collaboration to combat pipeline vandalism and protect the nation’s critical energy infrastructure following the arrest of suspected pipeline thieves in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
A joint 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 conducted an inspection of a vandalised section of the NPSC crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in Kwali Area Council of Abuja.
According to a statement issued by NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the inspection was aimed at assessing the extent of damage to the facility, advancing ongoing investigations and reinforcing coordinated efforts to curb economic sabotage targeting the country’s energy assets.
The visit followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals during a joint security operation in the Piri and Pai communities.
Authorities said the operation was carried out through collaboration among the ONSA Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command and NNPC Ltd.’s Industry-Wide Security Architecture.
NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., manages more than 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines across the country.
The company disclosed that incidents of pipeline theft have risen since 2024, with criminal groups allegedly disguising themselves as government task forces to steal pipeline infrastructure with the assistance of local collaborators.
According to available records, 19 cases of pipeline theft were reported in 2025, resulting in the loss of approximately nine kilometres of pipeline along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and sections between Piri and Izom on the Warri-Kaduna pipeline route.
In 2026 alone, five similar incidents have already been recorded in locations including Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada and Badanga.
Speaking during the inspection, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for attacks on oil and gas infrastructure.
He said security operatives were focused not only on apprehending those directly involved in the vandalism but also on identifying and prosecuting the financiers and masterminds behind the crimes.
He warned that such acts undermine economic growth, energy security and investor confidence while causing substantial financial losses to the nation.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the operation reflected the determination of security agencies to safeguard critical national assets and dismantle organised criminal syndicates involved in pipeline theft.
Sanusi disclosed that the suspects were arrested following intelligence-led surveillance and targeted patrols after reports of interference with pipeline facilities.
He added that investigations had already uncovered useful leads regarding individuals suspected of sponsoring the criminal activities and those receiving stolen materials.
Also speaking, the Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Mr. Goodluck Ebele, Goodluck Ebele urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
Representing the Nigerian Army, J. O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to working with NNPC Ltd. and other security agencies to secure oil and gas infrastructure nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream, Sesi Whingan, pledged legislative support for stronger legal and regulatory measures aimed at deterring pipeline vandalism and protecting strategic national assets.
The stakeholders reiterated their commitment to sustained collaboration to tackle crude oil theft, secure energy infrastructure and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security framework.
