A pipeline protection firm, the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), has decried the inability of security agencies to prosecute arrested pipeline vandals.

The trend, according to the firm, is a major challenge to them because it discourages community stakeholders from working with them and encourages other criminals.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ appraisal meeting held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Community Relations Consultant of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, frowned at situations where suspects are arrested and, the next day, they are released and seen walking free on the streets.

Mezeh charged security agencies to rise up to their task, ensure due prosecution of pipeline vandals to serve as a deterrent to others, and also to strengthen the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Meanwhile, the firm has been commended for its strategic role in securing the Trans Niger Pipeline across over 250 communities in the Niger Delta, especially its collaborative approach with host communities and security agencies that is yielding good success.

Mezeh said the essence of the meeting was to reflect on the journey so far and strategise for future success.

However, he stated, “One of our challenges has to do with the prosecution of arrested criminals. Also, leadership tussles in some communities affect progress. I want to appeal to our community leaders not to see the struggle for positions as a do-or-die affair,” he warned. “We also need to address stakeholder and community connivance in pipeline damage.

“The essence of today’s meeting is for us to appraise our journey so far. We all started the journey together, and it’s only proper that we come together from time to time to assess whether we are making progress or not.

“PINL’s mandate to protect the Trans Niger Pipeline has been achieved through engagements with the host communities. This collaborative approach has not only led to stronger relations but also forged a united front against pipeline vandalism.”

Mezeh outlined PINL’s achievements, including social investments based on needs assessments, environmental restoration, and improved crude oil production.

“We have achieved near-zero infractions on the Trans Niger Pipeline. This has boosted investor confidence in our economy and led to increased national revenue,” he said.

He also highlighted factors driving the company’s success, including timely salary payments to surveillance guards, commitment to community welfare, and prioritisation of workers’ safety.

“We are passionate about the safety of workers and the people living in our host communities,” he added.

Traditional leaders, civil society groups, and government representatives took turns to commend PINL and raise critical issues.

His Royal Majesty, Philip Osaro Obelle, the King of Eleme, praised the company’s engagement strategy: “PINL, you’re doing something unique through frequent communication. When you keep people in the dark, they speculate negatively. I must commend you for this interaction with stakeholders.”

He, however, raised an environmental concern: “What if the earth begins to quake in the Niger Delta when oil and gas companies are gone? The vacuum that is left in the ground after oil is being drilled — are they filling it back?”

Also speaking, Kennedy Tonjo-West, President of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), said: “I commend PINL for doing a wonderful job in protecting the Trans Niger Pipeline across 250 communities in the Niger Delta.”

A representative from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Young Harry Amachree, stressed the national implications of vandalism: “We must join hands to move this country forward. Vandalism affects all of us because it affects the nation’s economy. We commend PINL for working 24/7 to protect the pipeline.”

The stakeholders renewed their commitment to continue fostering partnerships aimed at sustaining peace and development in oil-producing communities.