NNPC Disowns Truck Seized With 2,145kg Cannabis, Commends NDLEA For Major Drug Bust

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has clarified that a truck intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 2,145 kilograms of cannabis concealed in a hidden compartment is not owned by the company.

The clarification follows media reports linking the vehicle to NNPC because it carried the company’s markings.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the national oil company applauded the NDLEA for successfully intercepting the truck in Ondo State, describing the operation as another demonstration of the agency’s commitment to tackling illicit drug trafficking.

According to the company, preliminary findings revealed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, is neither part of NNPC’s official fleet nor operated by any of its authorised dealers.

“NNPC Ltd. has taken note of media reports concerning the intercepted vehicle, which bears markings associated with the Company. We wish to clarify that preliminary checks indicate that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, is neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of the official fleet of the Company or any of its authorised dealers.”

NNPC explained that the branding displayed on the truck differs from its current corporate identity and confirmed that the vehicle is not listed in its asset records.

“The logo displayed on the vehicle is not consistent with NNPC Ltd.’s current official branding, and the vehicle does not appear in the Company’s asset database. NNPC Ltd. is also engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of the Company’s old branding on the vehicle.”

The company said it has already opened discussions with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to determine how its old logo came to appear on the truck.

It noted that any unauthorised use of its corporate identity, particularly in connection with criminal activities, would not be tolerated, adding that it remains committed to protecting its name and trademarks from misuse.

NNPC also pledged to work closely with the NDLEA and other law enforcement agencies to ensure those behind the incident are identified.

“NNPC Ltd. will continue to cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies and supports a full and thorough investigation to establish all the facts surrounding the incident, including the ownership and operation of the vehicle and the circumstances in which NNPC Ltd. markings came to be displayed on it.”

The company further disclosed that it is strengthening its brand protection and asset monitoring measures and would not hesitate to institute legal proceedings against anyone found to have unlawfully used its corporate identity.

It also urged members of the public and government agencies to confirm the ownership of vehicles claiming affiliation with NNPC through appropriate official channels.

Reaffirming its confidence in the anti-drug agency, the company said:

“We once again commend the NDLEA for its vigilance and sustained efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria. NNPC Ltd. remains fully supportive of the ongoing investigation and will continue to provide all necessary cooperation to ensure that the facts are conclusively established.”