PINL warns of prosecution for sabotage on Trans-Niger Pipeline
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL), the surveillance contractor for the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), has cautioned that any team found involved in sabotage risks contract termination and legal action. Dr Akpos
- From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Yenagoa
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL), the surveillance contractor for the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), has cautioned that any team found involved in sabotage risks contract termination and legal action.
Dr Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, gave the warning during a meeting with host communities in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He highlighted a rise in vandalism and crude oil theft along the pipeline.
Mezeh noted that preliminary investigations into two recent oil theft incidents indicate a "coordinated conspiracy," and emphasized that all responsible parties will be held accountable once the investigation concludes.
His words, "we’re currently faced with an unpleasant situation, and I must use this opportunity to sound a strong warning to all our contractors and surveillance teams. Recently, at Atali axis – zone 4, two tankers were intercepted while attempting to load crude. It was only through the effectiveness of our backup intelligence system that this operation was foiled, otherwise, those trucks would have successfully loaded.
“Preliminary findings point to a possible coordinated conspiracy. Let me be clear, once investigations are concluded, everyone found culpable will be brought to justice, and no one will be spared.
“Furthermore, in Bayelsa State, at Otukpoti axis zone 9, we recorded yet another case of sabotage arising from negligence on the part of our surveillance guards. This is unacceptable. Let this serve as a clear and firm warning to all contractors and operatives that, any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated.
Continuing, " Going forward, any contractor found wanting will not only lose their contract but will also face full prosecution under the law. At the same time, we must continue to strengthen collaboration. The community intelligence systems have significantly enhanced information flow and improved response times”.
He promised to sustain advocacy for the provision of floating petrol and gas stations in riverine communities in Bayelsa state.
He called for enhanced collaboration between host communities, security agencies, government institutions, and pipeline operators to ensure success of securing critical national assets.
He said, “At PINL, we hold firmly to one guiding principle-Community Partnership is National Security. When Communities Protect Infrastructure, they Protect Livelihoods, National Revenue, and the Future of our Country”.
Mezeh highlighted the role of the nation’s energy sector in national development and economic stability.
“According to the latest operational report released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the national oil company recorded a profit after tax of N385 billion in January 2026, generating N2.571 trillion in revenue and remitting N726 billion to the Federation Account during the same period after 1.64 million barrels per day production.
“These figures demonstrate renewed operational efficiency and improved performance across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This improvement was driven largely by the successful completion of maintenance operations at key onshore facilities.
“Nigeria also recorded encouraging progress in natural gas production, which increased to 7,283 million standard cubic feet per day, compared to 6,914 million standard cubic feet per day recorded in December 2025. Gas sales strengthened as well, reaching approximately 4,978 million standard cubic feet per day, reflecting improved supply to power plants, industrial consumers, and export markets”.
Mezeh said the firm will remain committed to promoting initiatives that improve the welfare of host communities and foster inclusive participation, including capacity building training for community-based contractors, prioritizing collaboration just as he noted that security was a shared responsibility
“We’ll have more youth participation in pipeline protection activities, women-focused economic empowerment programmes, educational support through scholarship schemes.
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“Several interventions have been implemented, including, Scholarship programmes for students, Women empowerment initiatives, Medical outreach programmes, Distribution of humanitarian support and palliatives, We recognize that young people remain critical stakeholders in the future of our communities and for this reason, PINL is proposing a comprehensive Youth Skills Acquisition Programme in 2026 across our states of operations.
“We also acknowledge stakeholder feedback regarding the women empowerment programme, particularly the need for faster disbursement. And so we’ re currently working closely with Premium Trust Bank, and payments will commence as soon as possible”, Mezeh reiterated.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the State’s Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo(Agada IV), praised the firm on its relentless efforts in developing oil and gas host communities for the better.
He praised the firm for its various initiatives aimed at bringing succour and awareness to host communities, calling on other oil and gas companies to emulate PINL to give relief to communities within their catchment areas.
