By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Pipeline vandalism has been halted for two consecutive months across certain operational areas in the Niger Delta, with improved cooperation between host communities and security agencies credited for the development.

The milestone was announced at the October 2026 Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa, where community leaders supported the company’s operations but warned that ageing pipelines and other oil infrastructure could undermine security gains.

The forum brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders and community representatives from Rivers and Bayelsa states.

Speaking at the event, PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said peaceful relations remained critical to sustaining oil production and development.

“Sustainable production and development depend on peaceful communities and trust among industry operators, government and host communities,” Mezeh said.

He said PINL’s surveillance operations had provided jobs for over 35,000 youths, while its scholarship programme had awarded more than N2 billion to over 1,500 students.

Stakeholders urged the Federal Government to sustain and expand PINL’s contract, with Engr Omojevwhe Akponime of the NNPC Project Monitoring Office saying daily reviews showed pipelines under the company’s coverage running green.

The Eze Eberi-Ugo IX of Omuma Kingdom, Onyekachi Amaonwu, said protecting pipelines required the cooperation of communities where the facilities were located.

“For you to achieve these targets, there is no pipeline in Abuja; the pipelines are located right here in our communities,” Amaonwu said.

The Eze Ekpeye-Logbo, Kelvin Anugwo, said reduced crude oil theft had enabled communities in Ekpeye land, Rivers State, to return to farming and fishing.

“Before PINL came on board, we were unable to fish in our rivers because spilled crude oil had ruined the environment,” Anugwo said.

However, the King of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, warned that preventing sabotage alone would not protect host communities from environmental damage.

He urged oil companies and relevant authorities to address ageing pipelines, abandoned wellheads and gas flaring before they caused further harm.

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Doubra Okotete, commended the surveillance operations, saying there had been no reports of fatalities since the company took over the contract.

“Our appeal today is for the Federal Government, the NNPCL and the President of our great country to ensure that oil and gas pipelines that have lasted for over 60 years are replaced,” Okotete said.