By JKNewsMedia
EFFORTS TO stabilise Nigeria’s oil production are facing relentless attacks as vandals escalate crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
The fire at Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC)’s Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), has been attributed to pipeline vandals targeting the Christmas Tree installation in a bid to siphon crude oil.
Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd, revealed in a statement dated 20th January 2025, that the incident not only damaged the well’s back pressure valve but also highlighted a troubling trend of sabotage.
“Since March 2023, this asset has faced persistent crude oil theft. Criminals now deploy explosives like dynamite to destroy installations,” Soneye stated.
The economic ramifications are severe, as these activities undermine national revenue and threaten energy stability, Soneye affirms, adding that the NNPC Ltd is collaborating with security agencies to address the issue.
“This includes heightened surveillance and targeted operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks,” he stressed.
Beyond the immediate crisis, he noted that the NNPC Ltd is assuring the public of its commitment to affected communities.
He also added that relief measures are being rolled out to assist those displaced or impacted by the attacks, underscoring the company’s determination to mitigate social and environmental harm.
He further noted that the organisation stresses its readiness to implement long-term security solutions to protect national assets and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector.
