The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has attributed the recent fire at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), to pipeline vandals attempting to tamper with the site and steal crude oil.
According to NNPC Ltd, the sabotage caused severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve. The company noted that this incident is part of a troubling trend of repeated attacks on wellheads in the area.
It said that since March 2023, the asset has faced persistent crude oil theft, with vandals increasingly resorting to the use of explosives, including dynamite, to damage installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.
NNPC Ltd emphasized its commitment to addressing these incidents, working alongside security agencies to curb the activities of vandals. The company also reaffirmed its dedication to supporting communities affected by the destruction, pledging continued relief efforts to mitigate the impact of such acts.
The company assured the public of NNPC Ltd’s resolve to minimize the economic losses and environmental damage caused by the attacks.
