The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has disclosed that it recorded 24 cases of pipeline vandalism and theft across its national pipeline network between 2025 and 2026, highlighting the persistent threat criminal activities pose to Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The company revealed that 19 incidents were recorded in 2025, while an additional five cases have been reported so far in 2026.
NNPCL made the disclosure following a joint inspection of a vandalised section of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The exercise involved NNPCL’s industry-wide security architecture, the Office of the National Security Adviser’s Special Prosecution Team, the Nigerian Army, the FCT Police Command and other security agencies.
The inspection followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals during coordinated security operations in the Piri and Pai communities. Authorities said the suspects are believed to be part of wider criminal networks targeting critical oil infrastructure across the country.
According to NNPCL, pipeline theft has increased since 2024, with criminal groups allegedly disguising themselves as members of a fictitious “NNPCL/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines” to gain access to pipeline corridors and carry out illegal operations with the support of local collaborators.
The company disclosed that approximately nine kilometres of pipeline infrastructure were stolen in 2025 along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola corridor and sections of the Warri-Kaduna pipeline route between Piri and Izom.
NNPCL further revealed that the five incidents recorded in 2026 occurred along strategic pipeline corridors in Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada and Badanga, affecting sections of the Warri-Kaduna and Jos-Gombe pipeline networks.
Speaking during the inspection, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the recent arrests as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing effort to dismantle organised syndicates involved in oil infrastructure sabotage.
He said security agencies remain focused on identifying and prosecuting not only those directly involved in vandalism but also the sponsors, financiers and receivers of stolen pipeline materials.
Ojulari noted that attacks on petroleum infrastructure extend beyond economic losses, warning that they undermine national energy security, discourage investment and threaten the country's broader economic development objectives.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi, said intelligence-led operations and surveillance activities led to the arrest of the suspects. He added that ongoing investigations have already uncovered critical leads that could expose the broader criminal network behind the illegal activities.
Nigeria's pipeline network, which spans more than 5,000 kilometres under NPSC management, remains a vital component of the country's petroleum supply chain. Industry stakeholders say sustained security collaboration and stricter enforcement measures will be critical to protecting the infrastructure and safeguarding energy supply across the country.