Follow Us on Google
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has warned its surveillance contractors and guards against negligence following two recent cases of attempted crude oil theft in Rivers and Bayelsa states.
The warning came after operatives intercepted two tankers attempting to load crude oil at the Atali axis in Zone 4, an operation the company says was foiled only by its backup intelligence system.
Preliminary findings, according to PINL, showed a possible coordinated conspiracy involving insiders.
PINL, an indigenous security firm responsible for protecting the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), whose operations also cover the Eastern Gas Network (EGN), issued the warning at its monthly stakeholders’ meeting with host communities and contractors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
The company stated that acts of collusion, sabotage or negligence will not be tolerated.
Other News
The General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Akpos Mezeh, addressed those present directly: “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. No one will be spared.”
He added: “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. Going forward, any contractor found wanting will not only lose their contract but will also face full prosecution under the law.”
On a positive note, Eze Ekpeye-Logbo, King Kevin Anugwo, represented at the event by Patricia Ogbonnaya, commended PINL for restoring the local environment and ecosystem.
The monarch noted that fish species that had disappeared from community waters during the peak of oil bunkering and pollution have now returned and called on the federal government to increase its support for the company.
