Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited Issues Zero Tolerance Warning to Security Personnel Following Foiled Oil Theft

Security firm Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited intercepts tankers in Rivers State and warns guards of prosecution following suspected insider collusion.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 6:15 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Independent

Heightened Security Vigilance Along the Eastern Corridor

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has issued a stern directive to its security operatives after successfully obstructing a sophisticated attempt to siphon crude oil from the Trans Niger Pipeline. During a high level stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt, company officials revealed that their backup intelligence systems intercepted two large tankers at the Atali axis in Zone 4 as they attempted to load stolen crude. The security firm, which is responsible for the critical Eastern Corridor and the Eastern Gas Network, indicated that the current surveillance protocols are being intensified to prevent similar breaches in the volatile Rivers and Bayelsa sectors.

Suspected Insider Collusion Triggers Internal Investigation

The nature of the attempted theft has raised significant alarms regarding the integrity of the firm’s internal security apparatus. Dr. Akpos Mezeh, the General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, stated that preliminary findings suggest a coordinated conspiracy involving individuals within the surveillance network. Mezeh emphasized that the operation was only thwarted by a secondary intelligence layer, suggesting that the primary guard force may have been bypassed or compromised. Consequently, a comprehensive investigation has been launched to identify culpable parties, with the firm promising that no individual, regardless of rank or community standing, will be exempt from justice.

Contractual Repercussions for Surveillance Negligence

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited has reinforced this disciplinary stance by threatening to issue non-performance certificates to negligent contractors. Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, representing the NNPCL Project Monitoring Office, specifically highlighted security lapses within the Obio/Akpor and Emohua Local Government Areas. Under the new enforcement regime, any community surveillance contractor who allows external saboteurs to access the pipeline infrastructure will face immediate contract revocation. This policy shift aims to hold local firms directly accountable for the physical security of the assets located within their specific geographical jurisdictions.