NNPC Attributes Buguma Wellhead Fire to Vandalism

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 the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to sabotage the installation and steal crude oil.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye revealed that the vandals’ actions caused severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve and directly triggered the fire.
“This act of sabotage underscores a troubling trend of repeated attacks on wellheads in the region. Since March 2023, this asset has faced persistent crude oil theft, with perpetrators resorting to extreme methods, including the use of dynamite, to breach installations and illegally access hydrocarbons,” Soneye stated.
NNPC Ltd emphasized its unwavering commitment to addressing these criminal activities, which have severe economic repercussions for the nation. The company is actively collaborating with security agencies to prevent further acts of vandalism and ensure the safety of its operations.
Furthermore, NNPC Ltd assured affected communities of its continued support, pledging to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact of these destructive incidents.