The NNPC Ltd. and various security agencies have intensified their effort to combat pipeline vandalism, as reported for 24 cases of vandalism in Nigeria in both 2025 and 2026.
As part of the efforts to curb pipeline theft, a team from NNPC Ltd. consisting of the industry wide security architecture (IWSA) and the NPSC visited a vandalized crude oil pipeline in the Pai Community, Kwali Area Council of the FCT, Abuja. This visit was carried out in partnership with the ONSA Special Prosecution Team, FCT Police Command, Nigerian Army, among others.
The visit came after an arrest made by the same ONSA, Police, and IWSA in Piri and Pai communities, according to an official of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Andy Odeh.
According to figures from the company, a total of 19 instances of pipeline vandalism were noted in 2025 alone, resulting in the stealing of nine kilometers of pipelines in the corridors of Enugu, Makurdi, and Yola, as well as parts of Warri and Kaduna. So far, five more instances in 2026 have been reported in the regions such as Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada and Badanga, making a total of 24 incidents.
NNPC stated that the exercise was carried out to evaluate the damages caused, further the investigation process, and make concerted efforts towards eliminating economic sabotage in the region.
NNPC added that there had been a disturbing trend of pipeline thefts since 2024, as many of the vandals masquerade as a “NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce”, working hand in hand with local communities to dig up pipelines.
Addressing the press during the inspection, NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, through his Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, emphasized that these arrests were a crucial blow against the syndicates involved in this sabotage.
He added that the apprehended individuals were just a small portion of a much larger network, noting that investigations are still continuing in order to arrest the masterminds behind such crimes. He also stated that there are immense financial losses as a result of pipeline vandalism, which negatively impacts the development of a nation.
According to FCT CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, all the efforts to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and carry out patrols were successful in making these arrests, and more investigation reveals leads about sponsors and beneficiaries of the crimes.
Also in attendance at the press conference, was ONSA’s Director of Energy Security, Goodluck Ebele. He urged the general public to provide security forces with timely intelligence, as collaboration is imperative for safeguarding the nation’s property.
The representatives from the Nigerian Army, and the House of Representatives also pledged their unwavering support to this initiative, as they will be drafting tougher legislation.
Finally, NNPC together with its partner organizations reiterated their commitment to sustained joint operations until the criminal network engaging in this activity is broken up.
