The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has identified pipeline vandals as the culprits behind the recent fire outbreak at its Buguma Wellhead 008 in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The wellhead, operated by NNPC’s subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd. (NEOL), was targeted by criminals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
Mr. Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, confirmed the development in a statement, describing the incident as a severe act of sabotage. He noted that the vandals’ activities caused extensive damage to the well’s back pressure valve and highlighted a troubling pattern of recurring attacks on wellheads in the region.
“This unfortunate act reflects the persistence of crude oil theft on the asset, which has been ongoing since March 2023,” Soneye said. “The criminals have resorted to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite, to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.”
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He further stated that the financial losses and environmental impact resulting from such activities place a significant burden on the nation’s economy.
In response, NNPC Ltd. is intensifying efforts to curb these criminal acts. “We remain committed to combating these fires and working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism,” Soneye assured.
NNPC also reaffirmed its dedication to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities. The company pledged to continue providing necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on affected residents.
The Buguma Wellhead fire serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for heightened security around oil installations, as NNPC works to address the challenges posed by crude oil theft and infrastructure sabotage.
