PINL Surveillance Scope Does Not Cover Ogidigben Oil Fields -Edema Replies Tantita

The Warri Kingdom has firmly rejected recent claims suggesting its involvement in the security operations of the Ogidigben oil facility in Ugborodo, following a protest that disrupted activities in the area.

In a statement issued by Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, Sole Representative of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and Joint Venture Partners, the Kingdom described as “false and misleading” any assertion that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) holds a surveillance or security contract in Delta State.

“The facts are clear and unambiguous—PINL has no security mandate in Delta State. Any narrative to the contrary is factually incorrect and serves only to misinform the public while risking the destabilisation of an already sensitive operating environment,” the statement reads.

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The clarification comes in response to a statement made by the media aide to Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo on Punch Newspaper, regarding responsibility for the recent protest at the Ogidigben oil field in Warri South-West Local Government Area.

Edema stressed that PINL’s operational scope does not include surveillance responsibilities in the disputed area and that the company should not be linked to incidents beyond its contractual obligations.

“The attempt to assign blame or imply jurisdiction in the matter of the Ugborodo protest is not only baseless but detracts from the real issues at stake,” Edema stated.

According to the Edema, the protest was a peaceful civic action, driven by community concerns over ward delineation and political representation issues that lie well outside the remit of security contractors and oil infrastructure operators.

Furthermore, the statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Olu of Warri kingdom, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, to peace, stability, and the protection of national infrastructure.

The Olu of Warri, it said, remains a strong advocate for responsible governance, regional cooperation, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

The statement urged all parties to engage with sincerity, factual integrity, and mutual respect, warning that misinformation must not be allowed to erode public trust or jeopardize national assets.