… Three suspects arrested as authorities uncover criminal network disguising as government taskforce
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), in collaboration with top security agencies, has intensified efforts to combat the rising tide of energy infrastructure vandalism across the country.
On Tuesday, a joint taskforce comprising the NNPC’s Industry-Wide Security Architecture (IWSA), the Nigerian Pipelines & Storage Company (NPSC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Special Prosecution Team, the FCT Police Command, and the Nigerian Army conducted an on-site inspection of a vandalized crude oil pipeline at Pai Community in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
The high-level visit aimed to assess the damage to the critical national asset, support ongoing investigations, and strengthen coordinated actions against economic sabotage, according to a statement from NNPC Ltd.
Three Suspects in Custody
The inspection followed the arrest of three suspected pipeline vandals in the Piri and Pai communities. The suspects were apprehended during a joint intelligence-led operation by the ONSA prosecution team, the FCT Police, and NNPC’s security architecture.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, said the suspects were caught after intensive surveillance and targeted patrols triggered by reports of pipeline interference. He added that investigations have uncovered strong leads on the sponsors and receivers of stolen pipeline materials.
“All individuals connected to this crime will be identified and prosecuted according to the law,” Sanusi said.
Rising Cases of Sophisticated Theft
NPSC, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd., operates over 5,000 kilometres of crude oil and refined products pipelines across Nigeria. However, since 2024, pipeline theft has surged.
According to NNPC data, criminals, often well-equipped and disguised as a so-called “NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines”—collaborate with local residents to excavate and steal pipeline sections.
In 2025 alone, 19 incidents were recorded, with approximately nine kilometres of pipeline stolen along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola route and between Piri and Izom on the Warri, Kaduna corridor.
So far in 2026, five cases have been reported, including at Piri-Kwali and Gwagwalada along the Warri-Kaduna crude oil line, and at Badanga on the Jos-Gombe corridor.
NNPC Vows to Dismantle Criminal Networks
Speaking at the site, NNPC Ltd. Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, who was represented by the company’s Chief Interface Officer, Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, described the arrests as a breakthrough, albeit a small part of a larger battle.
“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,” Ojulari said.
He warned that pipeline vandalism not only causes massive economic losses but also undermines national development, energy security, and investor confidence.
Military, Lawmakers Pledge Support
Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo, representing the Nigerian Army, reaffirmed the military’s readiness to work with NNPC Ltd. and other agencies to safeguard oil and gas infrastructure nationwide.
Similarly, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Sesi Whingan, pledged legislative backing for stronger legal and regulatory measures to deter pipeline vandalism.
Meanwhile, ONSA’s Director of Energy Security, Mr. Goodluck Ebele, called on Nigerians to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public vigilance remains critical to protecting national assets.
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