Precious Anga
Lagos — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has raised fresh concerns over the growing threat of pipeline vandalism after recording 24 pipeline theft incidents across its network between 2025 and 2026, highlighting the persistent challenge facing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The company disclosed the figures following a joint inspection of a vandalised section of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to NNPC, 19 pipeline theft incidents were recorded in 2025, while five additional cases have been reported so far in 2026.
The inspection involved NNPC’s industry-wide security architecture, NPSC, the Office of the National Security Adviser’s Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. The visit followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals during a coordinated security operation in the Piri and Pai communities.
NNPC stated that criminal attacks on its pipeline network have intensified since 2024, with organised syndicates allegedly posing as government-backed pipeline recovery task forces to gain access to critical infrastructure and remove pipeline sections with the support of local collaborators.
The company revealed that approximately nine kilometres of pipeline were stolen in 2025 along the Enugu–Makurdi–Yola corridor and sections of the Warri–Kaduna pipeline between Piri and Izom.
It added that the five incidents recorded in 2026 occurred in Piri-Kwali and Gwagwalada along the Warri–Kaduna crude oil pipeline, as well as in Badanga on the Jos–Gombe pipeline corridor.
Speaking during the inspection, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the recent arrests as part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks responsible for sabotaging Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
“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.
“Beyond the significant economic losses they cause, such acts undermine 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 said.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, said intelligence-driven operations led to the arrest of the suspects after reports of interference along sections of the pipeline network.
According to him, ongoing investigations have already produced critical leads on those financing the operations and individuals receiving stolen pipeline materials.
“Investigations have generated valuable leads regarding the sponsors and receivers of the vandalised materials, and all persons connected to these crimes will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Sanusi stated.
The latest disclosure underscores the significant threat pipeline theft continues to pose to Nigeria’s oil industry, despite intensified surveillance and security measures. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly warned that vandalism not only drains government revenue but also threatens energy security, discourages investment and disrupts crude oil transportation across the country.
With more than 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines under its management, NNPC now faces renewed pressure to strengthen asset protection and sustain recent gains in oil production as Nigeria seeks to maximise revenue from the sector.
