Oando Plc has confirmed that its pipelines in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, have been targeted by three separate sabotage attacks over the past week. The affected infrastructure includes the 18-inch Tepidaba-Brass crude pipeline in the Brass local government area and the 24-inch Ogboinbiri/Obiobi gas pipeline in the Southern Ijaw district. The gas pipeline is particularly significant as it supplies gas to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny, Rivers State.
In response to the incidents, Oando has activated its emergency response protocols, deploying leak repair teams to the affected sites. The company is also collaborating with relevant authorities to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to assess the damage and determine the cause of the sabotage. Following the investigation, Oando plans to commence full-scale repairs to resume operations promptly.
The Bayelsa State Government has condemned the attacks, labeling them as acts of economic sabotage. The state's Commissioner for Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens to protect national assets and urged vigilance to prevent future occurrences.
These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region, which have previously led major oil companies to divest from onshore and shallow-water assets in favor of more secure deep-water operations.