Pipeline vandalism in FCT: 3 arrested as NNPC, security agencies tighten security
By Victor Idajili
Three suspected pipeline vandals are now in custody and joint security teams have inspected damaged sections of crude line in Kwali Area Council, Abuja, as agencies ramp up efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
The operation on Tuesday brought together NNPC Ltd., the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company, ONSA’s Special Prosecution Team, FCT Police, the Army, and other security stakeholders. Their goal: assess damage at Pai Community, back ongoing investigations, and coordinate a tougher response to economic sabotage.
The inspection came right after a joint raid in Piri and Pai communities that led to the arrest of three suspects. Officials say the arrests are part of a broader push to break up criminal networks attacking energy assets.
NNPC GCEO Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by Chief Interface Officer Dahiru Sani-Gwarzo, called it a “significant breakthrough.”
“These individuals are only a fraction of a much larger criminal network. Beyond economic losses, these attacks threaten national development, energy security, and investor confidence. We’ll keep working with security agencies to bring everyone involved to justice,” he said.
NPSC, which manages over 5,000km of crude and product pipelines nationwide, says vandalism has surged since 2024. Criminal groups now pose as a fake “NNPC/Federal Government Taskforce for Recovery of Abandoned Pipelines” and work with local accomplices to cut and steal pipe sections.
The numbers are stark:
2025: 19 cases recorded, with ∼9km of pipeline lost along Enugu–Makurdi–Yola and between Piri–Izom on the Warri–Kaduna route. 2026 so far: 5 more cases in Piri-Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Badanga along Warri–Kaduna and Jos–Gombe corridors.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi said intelligence, surveillance and targeted patrols led to the arrests. “Investigations have already given us useful information about sponsors and receivers of stolen materials. Everyone linked will be identified and prosecuted,” he assured.
Director of Energy Security at ONSA, Goodluck Ebele, urged Nigerians to tip off security agencies with credible information. “Public cooperation is key to safeguarding national assets and strengthening energy security,” he said.
Lt. Col. J.O. Ajongbo, representing the Nigerian Army, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to work with NNPC and other agencies to secure oil and gas infrastructure nationwide.
Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream, Hon. Sesi Whingan, pledged stronger laws and regulations to deter vandalism and related crimes.
With patrols intensified and investigations ongoing, authorities say the focus is shifting from just catching vandals on site to tracking financiers and buyers of stolen pipeline materials.
