Attempts to vandalise pipelines in the eastern corridor of Nigeria—encompassing parts of Rivers, Abia, Imo, and Bayelsa states—have reportedly seen a sharp reduction of 87 per cent since 2022. This significant achievement was announced by officials from Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the firm responsible for protecting the zone, during a monthly stakeholders’ briefing held in Port Harcourt.
PINL officials attributed the dramatic reduction in vandalism attempts to a successful strategy centred on bolstering community intelligence. According to the company’s data, the use of local intelligence has seen a substantial increase, rising from 10.5 per cent to 68 per cent. This improvement reflects deeper trust and strengthened cooperation achieved through engagement with traditional rulers, youth structures, and community contractors.
The company has also integrated traditional communication methods into its security operations, incorporating town criers to rapidly disseminate information within communities. This prompt communication mobilises swift action against potential attacks, proving highly effective.
The General Manager for Community & Stakeholders Relations at PINL, Mezeh Akpos, detailed the positive outcomes of this engagement strategy. He noted a sustained increase in crude oil and gas production across the Eastern Corridor, coupled with maintained peace and stability in the host communities. This stability stems from fostering an increased sense of ownership among the local population regarding the pipeline surveillance operations.
The most tangible result of this zero-infraction rate is the uninterrupted flow of products on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). Once highly vulnerable and subject to months-long shutdowns, the TNP has maintained a steady flow in the current period without any loss of time or products. Furthermore, PINL’s operational mandate has recently been expanded to cover all oil and gas facilities situated in proximity to the TNP.
Looking ahead, PINL’s strategic priorities include sustaining 100 per cent pipeline protection and maintaining zero vandalism across all TNP segments under its watch. The company plans to deepen its intelligence flow through traditional rulers, youth structures, and town criers.
Beyond security, PINL is focusing on expanding its empowerment programmes to further solidify community relations. These initiatives include women entrepreneurship training, youth technical skills development, and small and medium business development. Akpos highlighted that these community-based outcomes, which also include scholarship grants and a women empowerment programme covering 2,000 women, are scheduled to be monetised before the end of 2025.
PINL remains committed to an inclusive, transparent, and community-centred model, exemplified by the full integration of the Biseni community into its surveillance and intelligence network. Additional communities are currently being assessed for potential integration, subject to technical and security reviews. Akpos concluded by appreciating the vigilance of all stakeholders—including royal fathers, youth leaders, surveillance teams, and community contractors—whose tireless commitment has made these positive results possible.
