The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has blamed pipeline vandals for the fire incident at its Buguma wellhead 008, managed by its subsidiary, the NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited.
The vandals, the corporation said, attempted to compromise the wellhead’s Christmas tree in their effort to steal crude oil.
A statement issued late Monday night by the NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasising the implications of the act of sabotage, declared that the fire not only endangered the well itself, but also caused significant damage to the back pressure valve, a critical component that helps regulate pressure and prevent blowouts.
This latest incident, the corporation added, underscores a worrying trend of frequent attacks on oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.
“Since March 2023, the NNPCL has observed a marked increase in crude oil theft from this and other assets, with organized criminals now employing increasingly violent tactics.
“Recent reports indicate that these criminals are using dynamite to intentionally destroy installations, a dangerous escalation that not only poses threats to safety and environmental integrity but also disrupts vital energy supplies,” the statement said.
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It added that the NNPCL is committed to addressing these challenges and mitigating the financial fallout stemming from such criminal activities, which place a heavy burden on the Nigerian economy.
Also, Soneye disclosed that the company is collaborating with relevant security agencies, including law enforcement and local authorities, to enhance surveillance, while adopting protective measures aimed at preventing future attacks.
“Additionally, the NNPCL is dedicated to providing support to the communities affected by these destructive actions. The company is implementing a range of relief efforts, aimed at alleviating the impact on local residents, including assessment programmes to determine the extent of damage and the provision of necessary resources to aid recovery.
“By fostering a strong partnership with the community, the NNPCL seeks to build resilience against the adverse effects of vandalism and ensure the safety and well-being of those in the area,” the corporation stated.
