The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and security agencies have intensified efforts to stop pipeline vandalism across the country.
On Tuesday, officials from NNPC Ltd., the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the police, and the military visited a vandalised crude oil pipeline in Pai Community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The team inspected the damaged pipeline and reviewed ongoing investigations. The visit followed the arrest of three suspected vandals in Piri and Pai communities during a joint security operation.
NNPC said pipeline theft has increased across its network since 2024.
NPSC operates more than 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines nationwide. According to the company, criminal groups often pose as government task forces and work with local accomplices to steal pipeline sections.
The company recorded 19 pipeline theft cases in 2025. Criminals stole about nine kilometres of pipeline along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola route and sections of the Warri-Kaduna corridor.
In 2026, authorities have already recorded five new cases. The incidents occurred in Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Badanga.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said security agencies are working to dismantle the networks behind pipeline vandalism.
Representing the GCEO, Chief Interface Officer Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo said investigators are not only targeting those who steal pipelines. He said authorities also want to identify and prosecute the sponsors behind the crimes.
He warned that pipeline vandalism hurts the economy, threatens energy security, and discourages investment.
“We will continue to work with our security partners to stop these activities,” he said.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi said security agencies arrested the suspects after gathering intelligence and carrying out surveillance operations.
He added that investigators have uncovered leads that could help identify those funding the criminal activities and those buying stolen materials.
The Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Goodluck Ebele, urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities around oil and gas infrastructure.
He said public support remains vital in protecting national assets and preventing economic sabotage.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting oil and gas infrastructure across the country.
Also, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Sesi Whingan, pledged legislative support for tougher measures against pipeline vandalism.
Authorities say stronger cooperation between NNPC and security agencies will help reduce attacks on energy infrastructure and protect Nigeria’s oil sector.
