Vandalism at Buguma Wellhead: NNPCL’s Official Statement and Response
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has attributed the recent fire at its Buguma Wellhead 008 to the actions of pipeline vandals attempting to steal crude oil. The incident resulted in significant damage to the well’s back pressure valve.
According to NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, this act of sabotage is part of a troubling pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the region. Since March 2023, there has been a persistent issue with crude oil theft on this asset, with criminals employing extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.
In response to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has refuted allegations suggesting its involvement in the explosion at the NNPCL wellhead in Buguma Community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. The NAF described such allegations as “false and unfounded,” urging media outlets to verify facts before publication.