The pipeline operator PINL has reported a sabotage attack on the Trans-Niger pipeline, which occurred on the 15th of June at Abua/Udua in Rivers State. According to the company, the attack was not an act of bunkering, but rather an attempt to sabotage its operations along the strategic crude oil line.
The company noted that the incident came after a period of steady increase in production. It stressed that the intention behind the act was not to carry out bunkering, which refers to crude oil theft, but instead, in its words, to send a message through the deliberate damage caused to the pipeline.
PINL said that, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, it is already trailing the culprits behind the attack. The operator expressed confidence that those responsible would eventually be identified and brought to justice for the act of sabotage.
The matter was raised during a gathering where issues such as oil thefts, operational progress and the distribution of social intervention programmes were reviewed. The discussion placed renewed focus on the security challenges facing pipeline infrastructure in the region.
Addressing the audience, the traditional ruler of Emohua decried the vandals who attempted to damage the Trans-Niger pipeline at Abua/Udua, even as he backed PINL to rebound. He said he was particularly saddened by the incidents in the area, noting that nothing should spoil efforts aimed at ensuring the progress of the country.
The traditional ruler described the pipeline as central to the national economy and called for more support to be given to protect it at this time of challenge. The role of monarchs in pipeline security was also highlighted at the event, with a former lawmaker likewise condemning pipeline vandals.