National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has introduced a common operating framework for security institutions and petroleum industry participants to improve the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure. The document, described as the Standard Operating Procedure for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Wide Security Architecture, is intended to coordinate surveillance and enforcement activities against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and related offenses. At the unveiling, Ribadu said the petroleum sector remained critical to public revenue and national economic stability, but criminal activity had disrupted production, damaged the environment and created security risks for communities and operators.
He explained that the framework was developed through consultations with the armed forces, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, regulators, industry operators and private surveillance contractors. The procedures address operational responsibilities, surveillance, arrest, detention and the handling of recovered petroleum products. Ribadu said the objective was to reduce confusion among participating institutions and strengthen accountability, information sharing and respect for legal mandates. He warned that issuing a document would achieve little unless the agencies involved trained their personnel, integrated the procedures into daily operations and applied them consistently.
Speaking on behalf of NNPC’s group chief executive, company representative Dahiru Gwarzo welcomed the initiative and said the protection of petroleum assets was essential to government revenue, investment and the welfare of host communities. Gwarzo recalled the severe disruption experienced by the industry in 2022, when crude output reportedly fell to around 950,000 barrels per day and major pipelines were unavailable for extended periods. The framework will be judged by its implementation, particularly whether coordinated operations reduce theft and vandalism while respecting legal safeguards, protecting communities and improving the reliability of petroleum production and transportation.
