In a disturbing resurgence of militancy and sabotage in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, vandals have launched a series of brazen attacks on critical oil and gas infrastructure operated by Oando Plc in Bayelsa State.
The indigenous oil and gas giant, which recently acquired the assets of Nigerian Agip Oil Company from Italian energy conglomerate Eni, confirmed late Friday that three coordinated strikes were carried out within one week—crippling vital sections of its pipeline network.
The attacks targeted the 18-inch Tepidaba-Brass crude oil pipeline located in the volatile Brass Local Government Area and the 24-inch Ogboinbiri/Obiobi gas pipeline in the Southern Ijaw axis of the state—two key arteries in Nigeria’s energy distribution map.
In response, Oando has activated an emergency crisis management protocol. Leak containment and repair teams were swiftly deployed to the scenes to prevent further environmental degradation and revenue losses. The company has also initiated a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) in collaboration with security operatives and relevant government agencies to determine the extent and motives of the sabotage.
“We are fully committed to restoring normal operations in the shortest possible time. Once the investigation is concluded, full-scale repairs will commence immediately,” Oando stated.
The renewed wave of pipeline vandalism is a grim reminder of the persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s onshore oil sector. Rampant crude theft and sabotage have long undermined the country’s production capacity, bleeding billions of dollars in lost revenues and deterring foreign investment.
These operational hazards have prompted energy giants such as Shell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Eni to abandon their onshore and shallow-water ventures, opting instead for the relative safety of offshore deep-water assets.
As of press time, security authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or provide leads on the perpetrators behind the coordinated assaults.
With national production targets already under pressure, the latest attacks further complicate Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize its energy sector and revitalize investor confidence in the region.
PIONEER NEWS 