NSA unveils new security framework to tackle oil theft, pipeline vandalism

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has unveiled a new security framework for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to strengthen the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and other criminal activities threatening the country’s petroleum assets.

The framework, known as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry-Wide Security Architecture, is designed to harmonise security operations, establish clear responsibilities and improve collaboration among government security agencies, private surveillance contractors and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the official unveiling of the SOP in Abuja, Ribadu said Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets remained central to the country’s economic stability, national development and strategic resilience.

He said, “Yet, for too long, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and associated criminality have undermined production, damaged the environment and threatened national security.”

He said the persistent challenges informed the need for a coordinated national framework built on clearly defined responsibilities, collaboration and operational discipline.

“It is against that backdrop that this SOP was developed,” Ribadu said, explaining that the document emerged from consultations among security institutions, industry operators, regulators and private surveillance contractors.

The NSA said the framework was developed through the collective efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, security and intelligence agencies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), regulators, private surveillance contractors and other stakeholders.

He said the SOP was intended to strengthen collaboration, improve command and control, guide professional conduct and standardise procedures for security operations across the petroleum industry.

Specifically, the framework establishes procedures for surveillance, arrest, detention and the evacuation of recovered petroleum products, among other related operations.