PINL Vows to Terminate Contracts, Prosecute Officials Over Oil Theft Collusion

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has issued a stern warning to its contractors and surveillance teams, cautioning against any acts of sabotage or negligence in safeguarding oil pipelines along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) Eastern Corridor. The directive was delivered by the General Manager of Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, during a monthly stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Mezeh made it clear that collusion, sabotage, or dereliction of duty would not be tolerated, pointing to recent incidents of attempted crude oil theft in Rivers and Bayelsa States. He revealed that intelligence operations led to the interception of two tankers attempting to load crude oil at the Atali axis in Rivers State. Describing the incident as a potential coordinated conspiracy, he stated that investigations are ongoing and assured that all individuals found responsible would face the full weight of the law.

He also cited a separate case in Bayelsa State involving negligence by surveillance personnel, which he condemned as unacceptable. Mezeh warned that any contractor found to be involved in sabotage or complicit in negligence would face contract termination and criminal prosecution.

Mezeh emphasized that PINL’s surveillance efforts have played a key role in boosting oil and gas production, attributing much of that success to consistent engagement with host communities. He stressed that continued cooperation from local communities remains essential to protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring economic stability.