The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has distanced itself from a fuel truck intercepted in Ondo State with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in a compartment of the vehicle.
The truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during an operation aimed at curbing the transportation of illicit drugs.
The vehicle reportedly carried markings associated with NNPC, prompting the national oil company to clarify that it had no connection with the truck.
In a statement issued by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, NNPC said preliminary checks showed that the vehicle was neither owned by the company nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers. The company also said the vehicle was not listed in its asset database.
NNPC Questions Use of Old Branding
According to the company, the logo displayed on the intercepted truck was inconsistent with NNPC Ltd.’s current official branding.
NNPC said it was engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to establish how its old corporate identity came to be displayed on the vehicle and determine the circumstances surrounding its operation.
The company stressed that it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such branding could be linked to criminal activities.
It said it would cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies to determine the ownership and operation of the truck.
Possible Legal Action
NNPC also disclosed that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures following the incident.
The company said appropriate measures, including legal action where necessary, could be taken against individuals or organisations found to have unlawfully used its corporate identity.
It further urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership and affiliation of vehicles claiming to belong to NNPC through official channels.
NDLEA Commended
NNPC commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and efforts in uncovering the illicit consignment, describing the interception as part of the broader fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The discovery of the large cannabis shipment has also renewed concerns over the use of commercial vehicles and false corporate identities to facilitate the movement of illegal substances.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to establish who owns the truck, who operated it and how the cannabis was concealed and transported into Ondo State.
NNPC maintained that the intercepted vehicle was not part of its fleet or that of its authorised dealers, distancing the company from the illicit consignment.