The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and security agencies have intensified efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and protect critical energy infrastructure, following a joint inspection of a vandalised crude oil pipeline in the Pai community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

A statement on Thursday by Andy Odeh, chief corporate communications officer, NNPC Limited, said the joint inspection followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in Piri and Pai communities, in the Kwali Area Council, Abuja.

The renewed commitment was demonstrated during the joint inspection of a vandalised section of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) pipeline at Pai community.

The inspection was conducted by the Industry-Wide Security Architecture (IWSA), NPSC, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army and other security stakeholders.

Speaking during the inspection, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Ojulari, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the efforts to dismantle criminal networks behind attacks on oil and gas facilities.

Mr Ojulari, represented by the Chief Interface Officer, NNPC Limited, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, said the suspects were only a fraction of a larger syndicate engaged in the sabotage of the nation’s energy infrastructure.

“Our focus remains on identifying and bringing to justice the masterminds and sponsors of these criminal activities.

“Beyond the huge economic losses they cause, such acts undermine national development, energy security and investor confidence,” he said.

Mr Ojulari assured that NNPC Limited would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators were apprehended and prosecuted.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation underscored the determination of security agencies to protect critical national assets and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in pipeline vandalism.

Mr Sanusi said the suspects were arrested following intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted patrols in response to reports of interference with sections of the pipeline.

He added that investigations had already yielded useful leads on the sponsors and receivers of the vandalised materials.

“All persons connected with the crime will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Goodluck Ebele, urged Nigerians to support security agencies with timely and credible information to prevent pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage.

Mr Ebele said public vigilance and cooperation remained essential to protecting national assets and strengthening the country’s energy security.

Representing the Nigerian Army, J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to working with NNPC Limited and other security agencies to safeguard oil and gas infrastructure nationwide.

Similarly, the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Sesi Whingan, pledged legislative support to strengthen deterrence against pipeline vandalism through enhanced legal and regulatory measures.

The NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, owns over 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipeline network across the country.

According to NNPC Limited, pipeline theft has increased since 2024, with criminal groups allegedly disguising themselves as government task forces to steal pipeline infrastructure.

The company reported 19 cases of pipeline theft in 2025, resulting in the loss of about nine kilometres of pipeline sections along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and between Piri and Izom on the Warri-Kaduna pipeline route.

It added that five cases had already been recorded in 2026 along the Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada and Badanga pipeline corridors. 

(NAN)