NSCDC, IPMAN fight pipeline vandalism

A vandalised pipeline site at Arepo, Ogun State.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the South-West has tasked the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria to provide logistic support in tackling pipeline vandalism.

The NSCDC made the call in Ibadan on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting on pipeline protection with IPMAN representative in the South-West Zone.

The Acting Commandant, NSCDC in Oyo State, Mr. Victor Oyelumade, said vandalism would be stamped out with support from stakeholders.

He said, “We will build on our successes in tackling pipeline vandalism provided we have enough support in our logistics. There is no going back; we are ready for their total removal.

“We have enough personnel and the opportunity to call for re-enforcements from neighbouring states.”

On the operational conflict between the Police and the NSCDC, he said though it was regrettable, the two agencies still worked together for a common goal.

He said, “All security agencies are working for the public service and are paid by the Federal Government. Conflict in work schedule do happen sometimes which can’t be ruled out. However, we normally complement each other’s activities.”

Oyelumade urged members of the public to give the corps accurate and timely information.

For his part, the Chairman, IPMAN, in the Sough-West, Mr. Olumide Ogunmade, promised adequate logistics and support to the corps.

He said, “There is need to redouble efforts on surveillance of the pipelines. We have been doing our best to secure the right of way from vandals for almost 10 years using our money because petroleum business is the only business we understand.

“We cannot allow vandals to send us out of business because of their notorious activities.”

He appealed to stakeholders in the industry to work together in putting an end to pipeline vandalism.

Oil theft and vandalism have been a major challenge for security operatives, stakeholders in the oil and gas sector and the government with calls being intensified for serious action to be taken to tackle the problem.

On Wednesday, Oil workers under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers warned that they will suspend production if the rate of oil theft in the country is not checked.

The unions also threatened that the workers would stop the supply of petroleum products if there was no end to the organised destruction of oil installations in the country.

PENGASSAN’s National Industrial Relations Officer, Mr. Chika Onuegbu, who gave the warning while delivering a lecture in Port Harcourt had stressed that the nation loses between $6bn and $12bn every year to oil bunkering and illegal refining.

PUNCH