NNPC reports 24 pipeline theft incidents since 2025

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has revealed a significant number of pipeline theft incidents, recording 24 cases across its network between 2025 and 2026. This underscores the persistent threat posed by vandals to the nation's critical energy infrastructure. The company detailed that 19 incidents of pipeline theft were reported in 2025, with an additional five cases recorded in the first part of 2026.

The disclosures were made following a joint inspection of a vandalized section of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) crude oil pipeline in the Pai Community, Federal Capital Territory. The inspection involved NNPC's security architecture, NPSC, the Office of the National Security Adviser Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, and the Nigerian Army. This operation followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities.

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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.

NNPC stated that well-equipped criminals, often disguising themselves as "NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines," collude with locals to steal pipelines. The company reported that approximately nine kilometers of pipeline sections were stolen in 2025 alone along key corridors. Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, represented by Chief Interface Officer Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as a crucial step in dismantling criminal networks. He stressed that these acts cause substantial economic losses, undermine national development, and erode investor confidence, vowing continued collaboration with security partners to decisively address these crimes.

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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.