Vandals Disrupt Shell Pipeline in Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria—The breach in an oil pipeline operated by Royal Dutch Shell PLC Saturday was caused by vandals attempting to steal oil and wasn't a militant attack, a security official close to the situation said Monday.

The breach, which resulted in the shutdown of three flow stations that lead to the Forcados export terminal, was caused by "vandalism and not an explosive attack," the official told Dow Jones Newswires.

Shell said Sunday that sabotage on a pipeline had shut down three flow stations after "a leak was observed [Saturday] on the Trans Ramos Pipeline." It was unclear how much production was affected.

The main militant group in the Niger Delta Saturday called off a five-month cease-fire, pledging an "all-out onslaught against [oil companies'] installations and personnel," but according to the security official it appears the pipeline breach wasn't caused by militants. Nigerian military officials in the Niger Delta weren't immediately available for comment.

By WILL CONNORS