Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt —Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, has alerted its security contractors and personnel after recent incidents of oil theft along the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, and Eastern Gas Network, EGN, routes in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

The alert comes after two tankers were intercepted at the Atali axis, Zone 4, an operation that was only thwarted by PINL’s backup intelligence system. Initial inquiries indicate a potential coordinated plot involving insiders.

PINL issued a warning during its March stakeholders meeting with local communities and contractors in Port Harcourt, emphasizing that acts of collusion, sabotage, or negligence will not be accepted.

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, Head of Community and Stakeholder Relations, spoke directly to the attendees

Recently, at the Atali axis, Zone 4, two tankers were stopped as they tried to load crude oil. It was solely due to the efficiency of our secondary intelligence system that this mission was disrupted; otherwise, the trucks would have managed to load successfully.

Initial results suggest a potential organized plot. After the inquiries are completed, all individuals found responsible will face legal consequences. No person will be exempt.

Let this be a clear and decisive warning to all contractors and workers that any form of carelessness, compromise, or cooperation will not be accepted. Any contractor found lacking will not only lose their contract but also be fully prosecuted according to the law.

Additionally, Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at the NNPCL Project Monitoring Office, emphasized the importance of host communities, pointing out that 90 percent of PINL contractors and all surveillance workers are sourced from the local area.

He advised contractors to perform comprehensive background checks when hiring security personnel: “Before hiring the guards, make sure to carry out thorough investigations so that they do not damage the reputation of the community.”

Omojevwhe also mentioned that contractors in Atali and Egbeda Communities would receive non-performance certificates if their negligence led to pipeline sabotage.

On a positive note, traditional leaders praised PINL for its efforts in environmental restoration. Eze Ekpeye-Logbo, King Kevin Anugwo, represented by Ada Ekpeye-Logbo, and Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya commended PINL for revitalizing the local environment and ecosystem.

Fish species that vanished during the height of oil dumping and pollution are making a comeback. We urge the Federal Government to boost funding for PINL.

The gathering emphasized the two-fold challenge facing PINL: safeguarding essential energy facilities and building confidence and growth within local communities.