15 Convicted, 100 Prosecuted In Pipeline Vandals Clampdown – NSA

The National Security Adviser said that 15 persons have been convicted and 100 others prosecuted as his office is working to protect crude oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.

The NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed on Friday at a town hall meeting organised by the Petroleum Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, a pipeline surveillance contractor, in Yenagoa.

Ribadu, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Energy, Security and Finance, Mr Amakiri Harry-Young, assured that his office is committed to meeting President Bola Tinubu’s directive on achieving 2.5 million barrels daily crude oil production.

He said those convicted have been remanded in Port Harcourt prison.

The NSA revealed that a special committee comprising investigative and prosecuting teams has been working around the clock to ensure that pipeline vandals and other offenders faced justice.

According to him, the move followed concerns raised during a previous meeting about the arrest and quick release of oil vandals, which often led to further insecurity in the affected communities.

His words, “The president is serious about the 2.5 million barrels, and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal.”

He added that success would depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved, as the Federal Government was taking strong action against oil vandals who threaten national assets and local communities.

In his opening address, the PINL Consultant, Communities Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said that the firm has recorded major successes in safeguarding the Trans-Niger Pipeline through close collaboration with host communities, government security agencies and other key stakeholders.

Mezeh also started that by investing in community needs, resolving disputes, and restoring the environment, PINL has helped reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism to near-zero infractions on the pipeline.

He pointed out that PINL has also improved crude oil production and restored greater investor confidence, thereby contributing to an increase in national revenue.

Mezeh also stated that in addition to strengthening local ties, PINL has also supported economic empowerment, ensured regular payment of surveillance guards and promoted safety by deploying military camps and portable cabins.

President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Okaba, stressed that Ijaw communities have always supported Nigeria’s unity and economic stability and also taken the lead in the management of pipelines through companies like PINL.

Okaba called on communities to fully support PINL operations while stressing that any success recorded in protecting pipelines was also a credit to the Ijaw people.

He was critical of the current terms of the Petroleum Industry Act, especially the three per cent allocation to host communities,s calling it an insult.

Okaba, however, called for better agreements and full respect for such terms by both the company and the Federal Government.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers of the host communities in Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and Yenagoa Local Government areas, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, King Joshua Igbugburu, praised the company for its consistent engagement with stakeholders.

Igbugburu also commended PINL for setting an example in community involvement noting that no other pipeline surveillance firm operating in the region has shown such commitment.

He urged the Federal Government, especially the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to also hold regular meetings with stakeholders and surveillance companies to help reduce pipeline vandalism and boost oil production.

He further called on other oil pipeline surveillance firms to rise to be proactive and work collectively to eliminate criminal activities in oil-producing communities.