NNPC hails NDLEA over 2.1-tonne cannabis haul, says intercepted truck not in its fleet
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for intercepting a truck allegedly carrying 2,145kg of cannabis in Ondo State, while clarifying that the vehicle is not part of its official fleet.
In a statement signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh on September 7, 2026, NNPC Ltd. said preliminary checks show the truck, bearing 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.”
The company noted discrepancies between the markings on the vehicle and its current corporate identity.
“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. said, adding that it is engaging 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.”
NNPC Ltd. stressed that it treats any unauthorised use of its brand seriously, especially where linked to criminal activity.
“NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity. The Company remains committed to protecting the integrity of its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers are not misused,” the statement read.
The company pledged full cooperation with security agencies and a review of its brand-protection measures.
“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,” Odeh said.
He added, “The Company is also reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring protocols and will take appropriate steps, including legal action where warranted, against any unauthorised use of its corporate identity.”
NNPC Ltd. called on the public and authorities to confirm claims of affiliation before treating vehicles as company assets.
“NNPC Ltd. encourages members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to the Company through appropriate official channels,” the statement said.
Reiterating its support for the anti-drug effort, NNPC Ltd. concluded, “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.”
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted a 20,000-litre fuel tanker branded NNPCL fitted with a concealed compartment used to transport 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis, in one of several major drug seizures recorded across nine states.
