AKURE — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has denied ownership of a truck intercepted in Ondo State with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis allegedly concealed in a hidden compartment.

The truck, with registration number MKA 960 XC, reportedly bore NNPC markings, prompting questions about its connection to the national oil company.

However, NNPC Ltd. said the vehicle neither belonged to the company nor formed part of its authorised fleet or that of any of its approved dealers.

In a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Monday, the company said preliminary investigations showed that the truck was not listed in its asset database.

NNPC: Truck Not Part of Our Fleet

The company said it became aware of the incident through media reports linking the vehicle to NNPC Ltd. because of the markings displayed on it.

NNPC, however, noted that the logo on the truck was inconsistent with its current corporate branding.

The company commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for intercepting the vehicle and said it would cooperate fully with the agency to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of its corporate identity.

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

NNPC Engages NARTO Over Truck Ownership

NNPC Ltd. disclosed that it had commenced engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain additional information about the ownership and operation of the vehicle.

According to the company, the engagement is expected to help determine how its old branding came to be displayed on the truck and whether any individual or organisation was responsible for the unauthorised use.

The company said the ongoing investigation would establish the actual owner of the truck, those responsible for operating it and the circumstances surrounding the use of NNPC markings.

Company Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

NNPC Ltd. reiterated its commitment to protecting its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers from unauthorised use.

It disclosed that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring mechanisms and would take appropriate action, including legal measures, against individuals or organisations found to have unlawfully used its identity.

The company also urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify claims of ownership or affiliation involving vehicles bearing NNPC branding through official channels.

NDLEA Praised for Drug Interception

The national oil company again commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

NNPC Ltd. pledged to support relevant security agencies as investigations continue, stressing that all facts surrounding the seizure and the alleged misuse of its corporate identity must be fully established.

The development comes as authorities continue efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking and other criminal activities involving the use of legitimate corporate identities to conceal illicit operations.