KEY POINTS

• Suspected vandals reportedly excavated and removed over three kilometres of the Port Harcourt-Kaduna petroleum pipeline in forests between Enugu and Ebonyi states.
• Residents alleged the operation lasted for months and involved dozens of workers, heavy machinery, and possible collusion with corrupt security personnel.
• Analysts warned that the incident exposes major weaknesses in the protection of Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.

A major case of economic sabotage has been uncovered in Nigeria’s South-East after suspected vandals allegedly excavated and carted away more than three kilometres of the Port Harcourt-Kaduna petroleum products pipeline.

The affected pipeline, which transports refined petroleum products from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to northern parts of the country, is considered one of Nigeria’s strategic energy assets.

The incident occurred in remote forests located between Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State and Obeagu Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The scale of the operation has raised concerns over the security of critical national infrastructure and the effectiveness of surveillance systems in conflict-prone areas.

An investigation revealed extensive trenches and signs of heavy mechanical activity at the vandalised site, suggesting that the operation was carried out over several weeks or months rather than being a quick attack.

Accessing the area proved difficult. It reportedly took more than three hours by motorcycle to reach the location, while the final stretch required trekking through dense forest after roads became impassable.

At the site, long sections of the pipeline had already been excavated and removed, leaving behind deep trenches and evidence of sophisticated equipment.

The sheer scale of the destruction pointed to a highly organised network with access to logistics support and detailed knowledge of the pipeline route.

Residents Allege Businessman Coordinated Operation

Residents in Eha-Amufu and Obeagu communities alleged that a businessman from Ebonyi State masterminded the operation, although his identity had not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

According to local sources, the suspect allegedly brought more than 50 workers from the Izzi area of Ebonyi State and established a makeshift camp inside the forest where they stayed for several weeks.

One resident claimed that the workers spent over two months excavating the underground pipeline before using specialised cutting machines to divide the pipes into smaller sections for transportation.

The source alleged that trucks moved the stolen materials out of the forest under the cover of darkness.

Some residents alleged that security agencies and influential stakeholders in the area were aware of the activities but failed to intervene.

According to the allegations, personnel from the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local forest guards knew about the operation.

However, these claims could not be independently verified.

Sources also alleged that some youths who attempted to challenge the excavation were either threatened or bribed to remain silent, with some reportedly receiving as much as N1 million.