Oil
Nigeria launches new security framework to combat oil theft
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has introduced a standard operating procedure to unify security agencies and contractors in protecting petroleum assets.
Key points
- A new standard operating procedure was launched in Abuja for security agencies and contractors.
- NNPC Ltd reported that oil production has risen from about 950,000 barrels per day in August 2022 to over 1.7 million barrels daily.
- The framework provides guidelines for joint patrols, evidence handling, suspect rights and surveillance technology.
What happened
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has urged security institutions, energy companies and private surveillance providers to strictly adopt a newly established operational framework in Abuja. The initiative aims to safeguard critical petroleum infrastructure against crude theft, pipeline sabotage and unauthorized refining operations.
During the launch event, stakeholders discussed the mechanics of the framework. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede noted that the guidelines outline specific duties and boundaries for each participating organization. Meanwhile, NNPC Ltd Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari stated that cooperative efforts within the existing security architecture have helped lift national crude output from roughly 950,000 barrels daily in August 2022 to past 1.7 million barrels per day.
Why it matters
Crude theft and asset vandalism present persistent challenges to the country's economic stability and environmental preservation. Ojulari noted that ongoing containment measures have led to the removal of nearly 7,000 illegal connections, the deactivation of over 10,000 unauthorized refining spots, the recovery of in excess of 2.4 million barrels of stolen oil, and the arrest of more than 3,700 individuals.
Global energy markets monitor Nigerian production closely, particularly amid fluctuating international prices. For context, US Energy Information Administration figures from October 2026 recorded Brent spot prices at 125.44 US dollars per barrel and WTI at 96.24 US dollars per barrel.
What comes next
The newly introduced document establishes clear protocols for joint surveillance, evidence management, product evacuation, and the handling of arrested persons while safeguarding suspect rights. Officials including NFIU Chief Executive Officer Hafsat Bakari advocated for continuous monitoring and performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of the guidelines. Additionally, NNPC leadership proposed a 60-day window for stakeholders to refine specific provisions and achieve full institutional coordination.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Crude benchmarks move budgets, currencies and inflation in producer and importer countries alike. For economies such as Nigeria, where fuels dominate exports, production and refining decisions move the whole economy.
9.5% of world merchandise exports were fuels in 2025Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
