National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has unveiled a new security framework aimed at tackling crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and other criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
Gatekeepers News reports that the framework, known as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry-Wide Security Architecture, is designed to harmonise security operations, clarify responsibilities and strengthen collaboration among security agencies, private surveillance contractors and other stakeholders.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the initiative is expected to improve coordination and establish standard procedures for protecting the country’s critical petroleum assets.
Speaking at the unveiling, Ribadu said Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources remained central to the nation’s economic stability, development and strategic resilience.
“Yet, for too long, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and associated criminality have undermined production, damaged the environment and threatened national security,” he said.
Ribadu explained that the persistent challenges made it necessary to develop a coordinated national framework anchored on clearly defined responsibilities, collaboration and operational discipline.
“It is against that backdrop that this SOP was developed,” he added.
According to the NSA, the framework was developed through consultations involving security institutions, industry operators, regulators and private surveillance contractors.
He said the process brought together the armed forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, regulatory bodies and other industry stakeholders.
Ribadu noted that the document was also intended to strengthen command and control, promote professional conduct and establish uniform procedures for securing oil and gas infrastructure.
“This SOP is therefore not merely an administrative document,” he said.
He described it as a practical instrument “for enhancing synergy, reducing operational friction, promoting accountability and protecting critical national infrastructure connected to our hydrocarbon resources”.
The NSA said the framework would help institutionalise the gains achieved through industry-wide security cooperation and provide a sustainable structure for protecting petroleum assets.
However, he stressed that its success would depend on effective implementation by the relevant agencies, contractors and industry operators.
“The true value of this SOP will lie in its implementation,” Ribadu said.
“I, therefore, urge all agencies, operators and partners represented here to ensure full dissemination of its provisions to their respective commands, formations, field operatives and relevant personnel.”
He also emphasised the importance of professionalism, information sharing and respect for the mandates of participating institutions.
Ribadu said stronger cooperation among security agencies, industry operators and other stakeholders would be essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.
Also speaking at the event, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Bayo Ojulari described the framework as critical to protecting petroleum infrastructure, increasing government revenue and restoring investor confidence.
Represented by NNPC Chief Interface Officer Dahiru Gwarzo, Ojulari said security remained fundamental to the sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
He added that effective protection of petroleum assets required coordinated efforts among security agencies, industry operators, regulators and surveillance contractors.
