Nigeria nearly eradicates oil theft after security campaign

LAGOS, August 27, 2025 – Nigeria has nearly eliminated oil theft via pipeline following co-ordinated actions by defence and intelligence agencies, NNPC announced on Monday.

Theft from pipelines had previously led to losses of billions in revenue, with as little as 30% of oil reaching export terminals three years ago.

“Today, I can proudly report that our pipeline and terminal receipts are attaining close to 100%,” NNPC group CEO Bayo Ojulari said.

He added that security improvements, particularly in the Niger Delta, had been critical, as international syndicates had been exploiting national and regional vulnerabilities. Private security firms have supported these efforts since 2021.

The increased stability supports Nigeria’s plans to boost overall oil production, which could exceed 2.5 million bpd in 2026, a figure the country has not seen since before the rise of militancy in the Niger Delta.

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