The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has alleged that organised criminal groups posing as a supposed Federal Government task force are behind the theft of critical pipeline infrastructure across parts of the country.
The company disclosed that about nine kilometres of pipeline have been stolen since 2025, with 24 vandalism incidents recorded along sections of the Warri-Kaduna crude oil pipeline corridor.
The revelation followed a joint inspection of a vandalised pipeline segment in Pai Community, Abuja, involving NNPC Ltd, security agencies, and officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser. The visit came after the arrest of three suspects linked to pipeline vandalism in nearby communities.
NNPC stated that the increasing attacks on its pipeline network have become a major concern, noting that criminals often collaborate with local residents while pretending to operate under an official government mandate.
According to the company, “Well-equipped criminals disguising themselves as the ‘NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines’ connive with locals to dig out and steal these pipelines.”
The company further revealed that most of the incidents occurred along the Enugu-Makurdi-Yola and Warri-Kaduna pipeline routes, while additional cases have already been reported this year.
Commenting on the development, NNPC management described the arrests as progress in efforts to curb economic sabotage, stressing that authorities remain focused on uncovering those financing and coordinating the illegal activities.
Security agencies also pledged to intensify investigations and ensure that all individuals connected to the theft and destruction of pipeline assets are brought to justice.