NNPC Commends NDLEA Over ₦2bn Cannabis Bust, Disowns Truck

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for intercepting a truck carrying 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis in Ondo State.

The truck, which was seized during an operation along the Akoko–Lokoja Expressway, contained 165 bags of cannabis concealed within a compartment alongside legitimate fuel cargo. The estimated street value of the illicit consignment was put at about ₦2bn.

Following the seizure, NNPC Limited clarified that the vehicle was not owned or operated by the company.

The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks established that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither part of NNPC Limited’s official fleet nor that of any of its authorised dealers.

He also said the branding displayed on the vehicle did not correspond with NNPC Limited’s current official identity and that the truck was not listed in the company’s asset database.

The clarification followed concerns over the use of NNPC branding on the vehicle involved in the drug seizure.

The company said it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to determine how its old branding came to be displayed on the truck and to establish the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s operation.

NNPC said it takes unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when the branding is connected with alleged criminal activity.

The company further pledged to cooperate with the NDLEA and other security agencies investigating the seizure and said it supported efforts to determine those responsible for the use of the vehicle and its markings.

The NDLEA operation reportedly took place on September 4 after operatives attempted to stop the tanker for inspection. The driver allegedly refused to stop and later abandoned the vehicle at a church premises in Ugbe Akoko before fleeing into the bush.

The driver was subsequently arrested and is assisting investigators with the ongoing probe.

NNPC said it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures and would take appropriate legal action where necessary.

The company urged members of the public and authorities to verify vehicles claiming affiliation with NNPC through official channels.