The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to take responsibility for safeguarding the vital national infrastructure situated in their territories, warning that the negative impacts of pipeline vandalism are felt most by the communities themselves.

 

General Musa made this known during a monthly stakeholders’ engagement hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday. He was represented at the event by Navy Captain Lassie Audi Ozovehe.

 

“If you break a pipeline, the environmental and health hazards will affect the community more than the oil companies,” General Musa stated.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them. So, you must protect them.”

 

 

 

He praised PINL for maintaining zero infractions on the Trans Niger Pipeline and lauded the company’s ongoing commitment to security and community engagement.

 

PINL Highlights Community-Centered Surveillance Strategy

 

Speaking at the event, Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations at PINL, said the company’s security operations cover the TNP’s Eastern Corridor, and emphasized that the success of their surveillance strategy is built on collaboration with host communities.

 

“Our success on the TNP is a direct result of strong collaboration with host communities, a consistent operational strategy, and the commitment of our teams on the ground,” Mezeh said.

 

 

 

He explained that PINL’s operational model—anchored on timely salary payments, personnel safety, and swift dispute resolution—has significantly reduced pipeline downtime while boosting trust among stakeholders.

 

However, Mezeh acknowledged persistent challenges including:

 

Intelligence gaps in reporting threats,

 

Physical threats to surveillance personnel,

 

Disputes within local community leadership.

 

 

Despite these hurdles, he reaffirmed PINL’s commitment to sustainable development and stated that the company’s mission aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing improved security and economic inclusion for oil-producing communities.

 

As Nigeria continues its fight against oil theft and infrastructure sabotage, the call by the Chief of Defence Staff underscores the critical role of host communities in protecting national assets. With a proven partnership model like PINL’s and increased community involvement, stakeholders remain hopeful that security and sustainability in the Niger Delta region can be significantly enhanced