NNPC Denies Ownership Of Truck Seized With 2,145kg Cannabis In Ondo

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has clarified that a truck intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 2,145kg of cannabis in Ondo State does not belong to the company.

NNPC Ltd. made the clarification in a statement issued by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Monday, September 7, 2026, while commending the NDLEA for intercepting the vehicle.

The NDLEA had reportedly intercepted the truck after discovering 2,145kg of cannabis concealed in a compartment of the vehicle.

NNPC Ltd. said it took note of media reports linking the intercepted truck to the company because of markings displayed on the vehicle.

The company, however, said preliminary checks showed that the truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers.

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“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,” the statement said.

According to the company, the logo displayed on the truck does not correspond with its current official branding, while the vehicle was also not found in its asset database.

NNPC Ltd. said it was engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information on the vehicle and determine how its old branding came to be used on the truck.

“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,” it said.

The national oil company warned against unauthorised use of its corporate identity, particularly where such branding could be connected to criminal activities.

“NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity,” the statement added.

The company said it would cooperate with the NDLEA and other security agencies investigating the incident and supported a comprehensive investigation into the ownership and operation of the truck.

NNPC Ltd. said the investigation should also establish how its markings came to be displayed on the vehicle.

It added that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures and would take appropriate action, including legal measures where necessary, against unauthorised use of its corporate identity.

The company also urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles claiming to belong to NNPC Ltd. through official channels.

NNPC Ltd. reiterated its support for the NDLEA’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in the country.

“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,” the statement said.