NNPC Uncovers Fake Task Force Behind Pipeline Vandalism, 9km Stolen

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has made a disturbing discovery in the ongoing pipeline vandalism crisis in the country. A group of well-equipped criminals has been disguising themselves as a Federal Government task force to steal critical oil infrastructure. This revelation came to light during a joint inspection of a vandalized section of pipeline at Pai Community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The inspection was conducted by the NNPC Ltd, the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company, the Office of the National Security Adviser Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, the Nigerian Army, and other security stakeholders. The exercise followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities. According to the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Andy Odeh, the inspection aimed to assess the extent of damage to the critical national asset, advance ongoing investigations, and reinforce efforts to combat economic sabotage. The Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, owns and manages over 5,000 kilometers of crude oil and petroleum products pipelines across the country. However, pipeline theft has intensified in recent years, with well-equipped criminals disguising themselves as the 'NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines' and conniving with locals to dig out and steal these pipelines. 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. The affected infrastructure serves as a strategic route for transporting crude oil from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company to the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, represented by the company's Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, said the arrests marked an important breakthrough in the fight against pipeline 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.' The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the arrests demonstrated the resolve of security agencies to dismantle organized criminal groups 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.' The Director of Energy Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr. Goodluck Ebele, urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts by providing timely information to security agencies. '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.' Representing the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo reaffirmed the military's commitment to safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure nationwide. '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.' Similarly, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Whingan, pledged legislative support to strengthen deterrence against pipeline vandalism. '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.' Pipeline vandalism has remained one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigeria's oil and gas sector, contributing to production losses, environmental degradation, and reduced revenues. While much of the public attention has focused on crude theft in the Niger Delta, the latest incidents suggest that criminal networks are increasingly targeting pipeline infrastructure in other parts of the country. The recurring vandalism along the Warri-Kaduna pipeline corridor could delay the commencement of operations at the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, as the facility depends on crude supplies transported through the pipeline network, unless alternative feedstock delivery arrangements are put in place.