Abstract:
The vandalisation of oil pipeline installations remains a major problem bedevilling the oil
industry in southwestern Nigeria. The menace has led to economic loss, environmental
degradation and fire explosion resulting in loss of lives. In a bid to address the challenge, the
Nigerian government contracted the protection of oil pipeline installations in the region to
Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC). Scholars have focused attention on militancy and
disruptions of oil installations but with limited considerations of strategies for protection of
the facilities. The study examined responsibilities for pipeline protection, challenges faced
by OPC in protecting the facilities, collaboration mechanisms between the government
security agencies and OPC, and implications for security in southwestern Nigeria.
Hodapp and Cannon’s Conspiracy Theory constituted the framework while exploratory
research design was adopted. The study was conducted in four southwestern states: Lagos,
Ogun, Oyo and Ondo which were purposively selected due to the high-level incidence of oil
pipeline vandalism in the areas. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources.
Primary data was purposively sourced through in-depth, key informant interviews and focus
group discussions. In-depth interviews were conducted with National leaders of OPC (2),
Zonal coordinators of OPC (4) and community leaders (4). Key Informant Interviews were
conducted with stakeholders including Nigeria Police Force - NPF (4), Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC 4) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR 4). Focus
group discussions (4) were also conducted with community youths and women groups.
Secondary data were derived from relevant publications. Data were content analysed.
The NSCDC has the statutory responsibility for pipeline protection with support expected
from the NPF and other relevant security agencies. The challenges faced by the OPC were
threats from state security agents, media, sabotage and corruption in the protection of
pipelines. Collaboration and partnership between government security agents and the OPC
initially resulted in the reduction of vandalism; however, lack of trust associated with joint
policing led to rivalry and casualties; hence, the contractual policy failed. Collaboration
between the OPC and government security agents reduces vandalism and oil spills incidence
in the region.
In southwestern Nigeria from (2006 - 2019)government policy of partnering Nigeria Security
and Civil Defence Corps with Oodua Peoples Congress in the protection of oil pipeline
installation was initially effective but could not be sustained. The Conspiracy between
communities, few security agents as government officials, with vandals that resulted into
compromise of oil facility could be surmounted through partnering with traditional leaders
for information gathering and collaboration within the security architecture in the
southwestern Nigeria where mutual trust and cooperation are commanded.
