Communities Urged to Safeguard Trans Niger Pipeline as FG Expands Security Mandate

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, to take greater responsibility for protecting the critical infrastructure in their areas.

Speaking through a naval representative at a stakeholders’ forum in Port Harcourt, General Musa warned that the consequences of oil theft and pipeline vandalism—including pollution and health hazards—are borne primarily by the communities themselves.

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He commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, for its record of zero infractions on the TNP, describing the firm’s work as commendable. PINL’s surveillance mandate has now been extended to cover wider gas and oil assets across the Eastern Corridor.

Community leaders called for a people-focused security approach, warning that infrastructure cannot be protected without addressing local welfare and environmental damage caused by illegal activities.