Sh*ck Disclosure: NNPCL Chief Exposes Global Networks Behind Nigeria’s Crude Oil Theft

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bashir Ojulari, has revealed that sophisticated international syndicates are exploiting security gaps to steal crude oil across Africa. He stressed the urgent need to strengthen both national and continental security frameworks to tackle the challenge.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ojulari made the remarks on Monday at the opening of the Africa Chief of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja, emphasizing that crude oil theft and related illegal activities are far from localized.

“Crude theft and its attendant illegal activities are not purely local; they involve specialized international syndicates that exploit weaknesses in state, national, and continental security architectures,” he stated.

He, however, noted that crude theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, have been significantly curtailed in recent times, thanks to government efforts and the commitment of the nation’s security forces.

“Security is a cornerstone of the energy sector and is critical to achieving national, regional, and continental energy security goals. Through collaborative efforts in the energy space, we have seen marked improvements in our operating environment,” Ojulari said.

He highlighted the progress made in pipeline operations, stating: “The damaging effects of crude theft, pipeline attacks, and low pipeline availability are now largely a thing of the past. Our pipelines and terminals, which previously received only 20% to 30% of crude oil, are now operating close to 100%, thanks to the support of our security and intelligence agencies.”

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima (representing President Bola Tinubu), UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Youssouf, former Nigerian UN Permanent Representative Ibrahim Gambari, and FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji.