Nigeria Unveils Unified Security SOP to Combat Oil Theft and Protect Critical Assets
Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move to bolster the security of its vital oil and gas sector, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has officially launched a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) designed to harmonise and professionalise security operations across the industry. This comprehensive framework aims to standardise surveillance, arrest, detention, and recovery protocols, directly addressing the persistent threats of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining that have long plagued Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure.
The SOP, developed through extensive consultations involving security institutions, industry operators, regulators, and private surveillance contractors, establishes clear responsibilities and enhances collaboration among all stakeholders. NSA Ribadu underscored the critical role of the nation’s hydrocarbon assets in its economic stability and national development, lamenting how criminal activities have consistently undermined production, damaged the environment, and jeopardised national security. He stated that the new framework is a direct response to these persistent challenges, built upon principles of defined responsibilities, robust collaboration, and operational discipline.
The framework, a product of collective effort from the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and other key entities, is intended to improve command and control, guide professional conduct, and standardise security operations. Specifically, it outlines procedures for surveillance, arrest, detention, and the evacuation of recovered petroleum products, ensuring a more coordinated approach to protecting critical national infrastructure.
Dahiru Gwarzo, representing the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, endorsed the SOP, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding oil and gas assets, boosting government revenue, and restoring investor confidence. He emphasised that security is fundamental to the sustainability of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, requiring concerted efforts from all parties. Gwarzo recalled the severe impact of oil theft, noting that national crude oil production had fallen to approximately 950,000 barrels per day in August 2022, with major pipelines frequently rendered inoperable. This situation, he noted, significantly affected government revenue, industry operations, and the well-being of host communities.
NSA Ribadu stressed that the ultimate success of the SOP hinges on its effective implementation. He urged all participating agencies, operators, and partners to ensure the provisions are disseminated to their personnel and integrated into their operational structures. Professionalism, information sharing, mutual respect for mandates, and strict adherence to laws and procedures were identified as key pillars for achieving the framework’s objectives. The initiative is expected to institutionalise the gains made through previous security collaborations and establish a durable foundation for sustained improvements in the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
