The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has stated that the fire explosion at its Buguma Wellhead was caused by vandalism.
According to reports, the Nigerian Air Force also denied any involvement in the fire incident at the Buguma Wellhead in Rivers State.
In a statement issued late Monday, NNPCL's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed that the explosion caused significant damage to the well's back pressure valve.
"The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) reports that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), was directly caused by the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
"This unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well's back pressure valve, reflects a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone. Since March 2023, crude oil theft on this asset has been persistent, with criminals now resorting to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons," he said.
He stressed that NNPC is fully committed to tackling these fires and minimizing the financial losses caused by such criminal acts.
Acknowledging the strain these activities have placed on the nation's economy, he noted that the company is actively collaborating with relevant security agencies to put an end to vandalism.
Furthermore, NNPC reiterated its dedication to supporting communities impacted by these destructive incidents and pledged to continue providing necessary relief efforts to alleviate their effects.
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