Three Suspects Arrested as NNPC, Security Forces Inspect Vandalized Pipeline in Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), in collaboration with security agencies, has stepped up efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and protect the nation’s critical energy infrastructure following the arrest of three suspected vandals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A joint team comprising the Industry-Wide Security Architecture (IWSA), the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army, and other security stakeholders on Tuesday inspected a vandalized section of the NPSC crude oil pipeline in Pai Community, Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
The inspection aimed to assess the extent of damage to the pipeline, support ongoing investigations, and strengthen coordinated efforts against economic sabotage targeting Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The visit followed a joint operation that led to the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities. The operation was conducted by the ONSA Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, and NNPC Ltd.’s Industry-Wide Security Architecture.
NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., manages over 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines across the country. According to the company, incidents of pipeline theft have risen since 2024, with criminal groups allegedly disguising themselves as members of a fictitious “NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines” and collaborating with local accomplices to steal pipeline sections.
The company reported that 19 cases of pipeline theft were recorded in 2025, resulting in the loss of approximately nine kilometres of pipeline along the Enugu–Makurdi–Yola corridor and between Piri and Izom on the Warri–Kaduna pipeline route. In 2026 alone, five additional cases have been reported in Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Badanga along the Warri–Kaduna and Jos–Gombe pipeline corridors.
Speaking during the inspection, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by Chief Interface Officer Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in attacks on energy infrastructure.
He stressed that authorities remain focused on identifying and prosecuting not only those directly involved in vandalism but also the masterminds and financiers behind the operations.
“These individuals represent only a fraction of a much larger criminal network. Beyond the economic losses, these activities threaten national development, energy security, and investor confidence. We will continue working closely with security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the operation reflected the determination of security agencies to protect critical national assets and dismantle criminal syndicates engaged in pipeline vandalism.
According to him, the suspects were arrested after extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted patrol operations. He added that investigations have already yielded useful information about those sponsoring the activities and the receivers of stolen materials.
“All persons linked to this crime will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the police commissioner assured.
Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Mr. Goodluck Ebele, urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage.
He emphasized that public cooperation remains essential to safeguarding national assets and strengthening the country’s energy security.
Representing the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military’s commitment to collaborating with NNPC Ltd. and other security agencies to secure oil and gas infrastructure nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Whingan, pledged continued legislative support through stronger legal and regulatory measures aimed at deterring pipeline vandalism and related crimes.
