Fake FG Task Force Stealing Nigeria's Pipelines, NNPC Reveals

Well-equipped criminal syndicates are exploiting the worsening pipeline vandalism crisis in Nigeria by disguising themselves as members of a Federal Government task force to steal critical oil infrastructure. This disturbing trend has led to the loss of approximately nine kilometers of pipeline since 2025, according to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

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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 revelation came during a joint inspection of a vandalized section of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The inspection involved stakeholders from NNPC Ltd's Industry-Wide Security Architecture, the NPSC, the Office of the National Security Adviser Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, and the Nigerian Army.

This high-level assessment was conducted following the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities. NNPC Ltd's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh, stated that the inspection aimed to evaluate the extent of damage to national assets, support ongoing investigations, and strengthen efforts against economic sabotage. The NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, manages over 5,000 kilometers of crude oil and petroleum product pipelines across Nigeria.

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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 NNPC Ltd emphasized its commitment, in collaboration with security agencies, to safeguard the nation's strategic energy infrastructure. The company is actively working to reinforce coordinated efforts to combat economic sabotage and ensure the security of these vital assets. The ongoing investigations and reinforced security measures are crucial in addressing the persistent challenge of pipeline theft and vandalism that significantly impacts Nigeria's economy.

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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.