The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has confirmed the conviction of 15 individuals and the prosecution of over 100 others for pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
NSA Nuhu Ribadu disclosed this during a town hall meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event was organised by Petroleum Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a pipeline surveillance company. Ribadu, represented by his Special Assistant on Energy, Security and Finance, Mr. Amakiri Harry-Young, said the crackdown aims to end crude oil theft.
He revealed that the convicted vandals are now in the Port Harcourt correctional facility. A special committee, made up of investigators and prosecutors, is working round the clock to bring offenders to justice.
“The president is serious about achieving the 2.5 million barrels per day target,” Harry-Young said. “We are doing everything necessary to meet that goal.”
He urged all stakeholders to support efforts that protect national oil assets and boost production.
PINL Highlights Progress in Community Engagement
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Consultant on Community Relations, said the firm has made major progress in safeguarding the Trans-Niger Pipeline. He credited this success to cooperation with host communities, security forces, and key stakeholders.
Mezeh noted that pipeline vandalism has dropped to nearly zero on the monitored routes. PINL also invests in community needs, resolves conflicts, and restores damaged environments.
These efforts have helped increase crude oil output and improve investor confidence. According to Mezeh, PINL ensures regular payment of guards, deploys military camps, and promotes safety through the use of portable cabins.
Ijaw Leaders Demand Fairer Terms
Ijaw National Congress President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, praised Ijaw communities for supporting Nigeria’s unity and oil sector. He urged host communities to cooperate fully with PINL.
Okaba criticised the Petroleum Industry Act, calling the 3% allocation to host communities an “insult.” He demanded more equitable terms and urged the government to honour agreements.
Traditional rulers from Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Yenagoa also spoke at the meeting. King Joshua Igbugburu of Bomo Kingdom applauded PINL for consistent stakeholder engagement.
He urged other surveillance firms to follow PINL’s example and called on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to hold regular meetings with stakeholders. He said better coordination could reduce vandalism and boost national revenue.
