By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), in collaboration with security agencies, has intensified efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and protect critical energy infrastructure across the country.
As part of the initiative, NNPC Ltd., through its Industry-Wide Security Architecture (IWSA) and the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), joined the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Special Prosecution Team, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, the Nigerian Army and other security stakeholders on Tuesday to inspect a vandalised section of the NPSC crude oil pipeline in Pai Community, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
The joint inspection was conducted to assess the extent of damage to the critical national asset, advance ongoing investigations and strengthen coordinated efforts to curb economic sabotage and safeguard Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
The visit followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities during a joint operation involving the ONSA Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command and NNPC’s Industry-Wide Security Architecture.
NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., operates more than 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines nationwide. According to the company, incidents of pipeline theft have increased since 2024, with criminal groups reportedly disguising themselves as members of a government task force for the recovery of abandoned pipelines while collaborating with local accomplices to steal pipeline infrastructure.
NNPC disclosed that 19 cases of pipeline theft were recorded in 2025, resulting in the theft of about nine kilometres of pipeline along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and sections of the Warri-Kaduna pipeline. So far in 2026, five additional cases have been reported 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., Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the company’s Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as a significant step in dismantling criminal networks responsible for attacks on the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.
He said those arrested represented only a fraction of a wider criminal network and stressed that efforts were ongoing to identify and prosecute the masterminds and sponsors behind the acts of vandalism.
According to him, beyond the economic losses incurred, attacks on energy infrastructure undermine national development, energy security and investor confidence.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the operation underscored the determination of security agencies to protect critical national assets and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in pipeline vandalism.
He revealed that the suspects were apprehended following intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and targeted patrols launched after reports of interference with sections of the pipeline. He added that investigations had already generated useful leads regarding the sponsors and receivers of stolen pipeline materials.
Also speaking, the Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Goodluck Ebele, urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
He emphasized that public vigilance and cooperation remain essential to protecting national assets and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
Representing the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to working with NNPC Ltd. and other security agencies to safeguard oil and gas infrastructure nationwide.
Similarly, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Sesi Whingan, pledged continued legislative support to strengthen deterrence against pipeline vandalism through enhanced legal and regulatory measures.
