The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has uncovered what it described as a new and troubling dimension in Nigeria’s escalating pipeline vandalism crisis, revealing that organised criminal groups are now posing as a Federal Government task force to sabotage and steal critical oil infrastructure.
According to the company, 24 incidents of vandalism have been recorded along sections of the Warri–Kaduna crude oil pipeline corridor since 2025, with about nine kilometres of pipeline reportedly stolen by suspected vandals.
The Punch reported that the disclosure followed a joint inspection carried out by the NNPC Ltd, through its Industry-Wide Security Architecture and its subsidiary, the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company, at a vandalised section of pipeline in Pai Community, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The exercise was conducted alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser Special Prosecution Team, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, the Nigerian Army, and other security stakeholders, following the arrest of three suspected vandals in the Piri and Pai communities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Andy Odeh, said the inspection was intended to assess the level of damage, support ongoing investigations, and strengthen coordinated efforts against economic sabotage.
The statement read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited through the Industry Wide Security Architecture and Nigerian Pipelines & Storage Company in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser Special Prosecution Team, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, the Nigerian Army and other security stakeholders, on Tuesday conducted a joint inspection of a vandalised section of the NPSC crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT, Abuja.
“The high-level inspection was undertaken to assess the extent of damage to critical national assets, advance ongoing investigations, and reinforce coordinated efforts to combat economic sabotage and safeguard Nigeria’s strategic energy infrastructure.
“The visit followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities through a joint operation involving the ONSA Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, and the NNPC Ltd’s Industry-Wide Security Architecture.”
Mr Odeh further explained that the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, manages over 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum product pipelines nationwide, noting that attacks on the network have intensified in recent years.
“NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, owns more than 5,000km of crude oil and petroleum products pipeline network. Pipeline theft across NPSC’s network has been on the increase since 2024.
“Well-equipped criminals disguising themselves as the ‘NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines’ connive with locals to dig out and steal these pipelines,” the statement noted.
The company added that 19 incidents were recorded in 2025 alone, with significant sections of pipeline destroyed across multiple corridors.
“In 2025, a total of 19 cases were reported, with about 9km of pipeline section stolen along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and between Piri and Izom along the Warri-Kaduna pipeline corridors.
“So far in 2026, five cases have been reported at Piri-Kwali and Gwagwalada along the Warri-Kaduna crude oil pipeline segment and at Badanga along the Jos-Gombe pipeline corridor,” it added.
The affected Warri–Kaduna pipeline is a key national energy artery, supplying crude oil from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company to the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company.
Speaking during the inspection, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, represented by Chief Interface Officer Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the recent arrests as a significant step in addressing the sabotage.
“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 for the FCT Police Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the operation reflected the determination of security agencies to dismantle organised networks targeting national infrastructure.
“The operation demonstrates our collective determination to protect critical national assets and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in pipeline vandalism.
“The suspects were apprehended following intensive intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and targeted patrols after reports of interference with sections of the pipeline.
“Our investigations have already generated valuable leads regarding the sponsors and receivers of the vandalised materials.
“We want to assure Nigerians that all individuals connected to these criminal activities will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Director of Energy Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Goodluck Ebele, called for stronger public cooperation in safeguarding national assets.
“Public vigilance and cooperation remain critical to protecting national assets and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
“We appeal to citizens living around these facilities to report suspicious activities promptly. Pipeline vandalism is not a victimless crime; it affects national revenue, energy supply and economic development,” he said.
Representing the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to securing oil and gas infrastructure across the country.
“We remain committed to working closely with NNPC Ltd and all relevant agencies to secure critical energy infrastructure across the country.
“The protection of these assets is a national responsibility, and the military will continue to play its part in ensuring that criminal elements do not succeed in their attempts to sabotage the economy,” he stated.
Similarly, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Whingan, pledged continued legislative backing for stronger deterrence.
“We will continue to support measures that enhance the legal and regulatory framework needed to combat pipeline vandalism.
“Those who engage in economic sabotage must understand that there will be consequences, and we will work with relevant institutions to ensure that our laws serve as effective deterrents,” he said.
Pipeline vandalism remains a major challenge for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing to production losses, environmental damage, and reduced government revenue.
While much of the attention has traditionally focused on the Niger Delta, recent incidents suggest a widening geographic spread of criminal activity targeting pipeline infrastructure.
The Punch reports that repeated attacks along the Warri–Kaduna corridor could disrupt plans for sustained operations at the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, which relies on crude supplies transported through the pipeline network, unless alternative delivery arrangements are adopted.
