NNPC Ltd Blames Economic Saboteurs for Buguma Wellhead Fire, Pledges to Combat Threat

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has pinpointed pipeline vandalism as the cause of the recent fire outbreak at Buguma Wellhead 008.

According to Mr. Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the vandals attempted to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil, resulting in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve.

He said the incident is part of a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone, with crude oil theft persisting since March 2023.

“The vandals have resorted to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons,” Soneye said.

NNPC Ltd, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities.

He said: “We remain committed to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected.”

The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism and ensure the safety of its operations.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has also dismissed allegations of its involvement in the explosion, stating that the incident was caused by a prolonged crude oil leak at the wellhead attributed to years of illegal activities in the area.

The clarification was made in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information.

NAF described the reports (not from Persecondnews) as “false and unfounded,” urging media organizations to verify facts before publication instead of relying on mere speculation.