The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has confirmed that the federal government is taking firm steps to end crude oil theft and vandalism across the country, with over 100 suspects already prosecuted for related offences.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) on the Trans Niger Pipeline operations, Amakiri Harry-Young, the NSA’s Special Adviser on Energy, Security and Finance, disclosed that 15 oil vandals were convicted just last week in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He said a dedicated team of investigators and prosecutors is working non-stop to ensure those threatening national oil assets face justice. “Over 100 suspects have already been prosecuted, with 15 recently sent to Port Harcourt prison,” Amakiri said, addressing previous concerns about the quick release of suspects after arrest.
He also stressed the government’s commitment to achieving the national oil production target of 2.5 million barrels per day, noting that all hands must be on deck to reach that goal.
In his remarks, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, Community Relations Consultant to PINL, said the company’s collaboration with host communities and security agencies has led to significant reductions in pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
He stated that through community engagement, conflict resolution, and environmental restoration, PINL has achieved near-zero breaches on the Trans Niger Pipeline. This has helped boost production, increase national revenue, and attract investor confidence.
Mezeh also noted that PINL pays surveillance guards regularly, supports local economies, and deploys safety measures like military camps and porta cabins.
President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, praised the Ijaw people’s role in protecting oil infrastructure but criticized the current 3% allocation to host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), calling it inadequate.
He called for better deals and strict adherence to agreements by both oil companies and the federal government, adding that credit for successful surveillance must also go to the Ijaw communities.
Representing traditional rulers from Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, and Yenagoa LGAs, King (Dr.) WSJ Igbugburu X, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, commended PINL for its consistent stakeholder engagement. He urged other surveillance firms to follow their example and called on the Ministry of Petroleum to hold regular meetings to address pipeline security and production challenges.
