Bayelsa pipeline vandals will be arrested prosecuted — Minister
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has vowed that those responsible for the recent vandalism of the Lagos-Gbene 18-inch Tebidaba-Brass pipeline in Bayelsa State will be tracked down and brought to justice.
Speaking during an on-site visit to the affected area in the Opuama Clan of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, the Minister described the act as a “deliberate assault” on the country’s economic lifeline, and assured that the full weight of the law would be applied in dealing with the perpetrators.
“No one is above the law. Whoever carried out this act of sabotage will be arrested, prosecuted, and made to face the consequences. The days of treating economic sabotage with levity are over,” Lokpobiri stated.
He was accompanied on the inspection tour by security operatives, officials from the Ministry, and health and safety experts, who assessed the extent of the damage. The pipeline, a major trunk line that supplies crude oil to the Brass terminal, has been shut down as a result of the vandalism—causing significant revenue loss for both government and host communities.
“This is not just about the federal revenue alone. Under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), local communities now hold a stake in oil production. That means every incident of vandalism directly affects their earnings and development,” he explained.
The Minister further called on local residents and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies in identifying those behind the attack, urging them to protect the infrastructure that supports their own welfare.
“Local knowledge is crucial. We need communities to work with us and see themselves as stakeholders in safeguarding these assets. The federal government cannot do it alone,” he said.
While distinguishing between indigenous oil firms and international oil companies (IOCs), Lokpobiri noted that local operators tend to be more responsive in crisis situations, and commended the rapid commencement of repair works at the site.
“I’m pleased to see that maintenance is already underway. That’s the sort of urgency we expect, and it shows we’re not leaving anything to chance,” he remarked.
He reiterated that the current administration would not tolerate acts of sabotage, regardless of who is involved.
“Pipeline vandalism is economic terrorism. It robs the nation, it robs the communities, and it threatens our future. This government is committed to stopping it—decisively,” he said.
The Minister’s visit underscores a renewed sense of urgency in tackling crude oil theft and infrastructure sabotage—issues that have plagued Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for decades.
As investigations continue, security around the site has been strengthened, and the government has pledged closer collaboration with communities, oil firms, and law enforcement agencies to prevent future occurrences.
