The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has confirmed that vandals were behind the fire outbreak at its Buguma Wellhead 008, which is operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL).
Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, stated in a release that the vandals were attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil, which led to the incident.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) reports that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), was directly caused by the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil,” Soneye said.
The statement also condemned the act of sabotage, which resulted in significant damage to the well’s back pressure valve, noting that it is part of a troubling pattern of continuous attacks on wellheads in the region.
Since March 2023, NNPC Ltd has faced persistent crude oil theft on this asset, with criminals increasingly using extreme measures, including dynamite, to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.
“NNPC Ltd remains committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy,” the statement read.
“The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism. Additionally, NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected.”