Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd. and the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, have strengthened their joint security framework to protect critical oil and gas assets, as both organisations move to tackle crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and rising threats to national energy security.
During a strategic meeting at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the collaboration with the Air Force would be intensified through technology-driven surveillance and coordinated field operations.
“Our assets remain strategic to Nigeria’s economy, and we are fully committed to working more closely with the Air Force,” Ojulari stated.
“We will deepen intelligence sharing, improve joint operational planning, and deploy modern security technologies across high-risk corridors to ensure our production stays stable.”
Ojulari stressed that safeguarding pipelines, flow stations, and offshore facilities was central to achieving the company’s long-term production targets and ensuring uninterrupted supply across the value chain.
On his part, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s “unwavering dedication” to supporting NNPC in securing national energy infrastructure.
“Our mandate is clear, we must protect Nigeria’s strategic assets to guarantee economic resilience,” Aneke said. “NAF will intensify aerial patrols, provide rapid-response capability, and continue to deter criminals who target vital oil and gas installations.”
He emphasized that enhanced collaboration between both institutions would “significantly reduce losses, improve operational safety, and ensure the nation meets its energy obligations.”
