PINL decries failure to prosecute arrested pipeline vandals
Troops of Operation Delta Safe, a military task force focused on curbing oil theft and securing the Niger Delta region, have intercepted stolen crude and dismantled illegal refining operations valued at over N1.93 billion in a weeklong crackdown, the Nigerian military announced yesterday.
Director of Defence, Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Abuja. He noted that the operation led to the seizure of 1,009,733 litres of stolen crude oil, 304,811 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 3,480 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), 19,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 1,600 litres of engine oil.
In addition, according to him, troops destroyed an array of illegal refining infrastructure, including 351 crude oil cooking ovens, 418 dugout pits, 30 boats, nine speedboats, 160 storage tanks, 721 drums, and 95 illegal refining sites.
The army chief added that as part of wider security operations across the country, the military arrested 430 suspected criminals, including oil thieves, terrorists, kidnappers, and other elements undermining national security.
According to him, in the same period, 173 kidnapped persons were rescued, while 204 terrorists and their family members surrendered to security forces.
Kangye emphasised the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and citizens. He outlined ongoing efforts to neutralise insurgent leaders, dismantle terrorist hideouts, and support the rehabilitation of civilians affected by conflict.
MEANWHILE, 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 is discouraging community stakeholders from working with them and encouraging other criminals.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ appraisal meeting held in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Community Relations Consultant of PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, frowned on 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 to their task, ensure due prosecution of pipeline vandals to serve as a deterrent to others, while strengthening the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
