The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on communities hosting the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to take full responsibility for safeguarding critical national infrastructure in their domains, warning that the impact of vandalism and oil theft is felt most directly by the communities themselves.
Speaking through Navy Captain Lassie Audi Ozovehe at the monthly stakeholders’ engagement hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt, General Musa emphasized the urgent need for community-driven protection of oil facilities.
“If you break a pipeline, the environmental and health hazards will affect the community more than the oil companies,” he stated. “These assets are on your land. You benefit from them. So, you must protect them.”
The CDS commended the efforts of PINL in maintaining security along the TNP, highlighting the company’s record of zero infractions as both impressive and commendable. He also stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in the fight against crude oil theft and infrastructure sabotage.
Also addressing the gathering, General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations at PINL, Mr. Akpos Mezeh, said the company’s surveillance responsibilities cover the TNP within the Eastern Corridor, adding that its operational success is largely due to solid cooperation with host communities and an effective internal framework.
“Our success on the TNP is a direct result of strong collaboration with host communities, consistent operational strategy, and the commitment of our teams on the ground,” Mezeh said.
He outlined key elements of PINL’s security model, including prompt salary payments, protection of personnel, and efficient resolution of disputes. These measures, according to him, have significantly reduced pipeline downtime and strengthened community trust.
Despite these achievements, Mezeh noted that challenges persist particularly intelligence gaps, threats to field teams, and internal disputes within local leadership structures. Nonetheless, he reaffirmed PINL’s dedication to the sustainable development of host communities in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together traditional leaders, security agencies, community representatives, and company officials all united in their resolve to ensure the safety and sustainability of Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure.
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