The West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (WAPCo) has raised concerns over ongoing illegal mining activities along its gas pipeline network in Nigeria, warning of grave safety and environmental risks.
According to WAPCo’s Head of External Relations in Nigeria, Mr. Temitope Sodeinde, illegal sand mining along the pipeline’s right of way has created hazardous pits as deep as five meters, threatening the structural integrity of the underground pipeline.
He noted that multiple excavators and tipper trucks were operating simultaneously, encroaching on established boundaries.
“The company is deeply concerned about the safety of illegal miners operating dangerously close to the pipeline, which poses significant risks to both the community and their livelihoods.
“We are working closely with security agencies to monitor and protect the pipeline,” Sodeinde said, according to a report by Punch Newspaper.
Sodeinde further disclosed that the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies had pledged to arrest those involved in illegal mining along the pipeline network.
“This is a high-pressure gas pipeline buried underground. We regularly hold town hall and pipeline awareness meetings to educate communities about the dangers.
“Mining activities this close to the pipeline risk a catastrophic fire or explosion if disturbed,” he warned.
According to him, even a small mistake could trigger disaster, putting lives and property at serious risk.
“This is a threat we have been trying to prevent for years, and it requires urgent action,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Area Commander of Agbara Police, ACP Folashade Tanaruno, urged illegal miners to cease their activities or face arrest.
She stressed that miners must maintain at least 100 meters distance from the pipeline to avoid potential explosions.
The Area Commander of the NSCDC, Mrs. Esther Odesanya, confirmed that security agencies had stepped up surveillance and would continue to arrest illegal miners.
She also urged all miners to obtain proper mining certificates before operating in the area.
“Illegal mining along the pipeline right of way endangers the entire community. No one caught violating this will be spared,” Odesanya said.
The Oloja-Ekun of Igbesa Kingdom, Oba Abdul-Aziz Akinde, condemned the illegal mining, describing it as economic sabotage and a grave threat to communities along the pipeline.
Represented by Oba Nasir Olayemi, the Olodan of Odan, Akinde warned residents against allowing illegal miners to operate near the pipeline.
He said, “The palace has petitioned the Federal Government and established a committee to verify miners’ licenses.
“There is no excuse for violating legal frameworks. We are collaborating with law enforcement to ensure proper action is taken.”
He added that while some miners claimed to hold government licenses, law enforcement agencies were working to clarify the situation and protect the environment.
Chairman of Yewa Zone Miners, Mr. Balogun Moshood, acknowledged the environmental damage caused by illegal mining but insisted that most miners under their umbrella are duly registered.
He alleged that some illegal miners operate with the collusion of security personnel.
“We are educating and monitoring our members to avoid mining near the gas pipeline.
“We will direct them to stop all activities close to the pipeline and maintain the required 100-meter safety distance,” Moshood assured.
On September 20, 2025, Punch Online reported that the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) had sealed a partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
The alliance was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the Marshals’ Commander, ACC Attah John Onoja, to the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja.
Onoja noted that the partnership is expected to “combine scientific data with boots-on-the-ground security to protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth.”
“To be effective in securing Nigeria’s mineral wealth, the Mining Marshals must work hand-in-hand with research institutions like the Raw Materials Council,” he added.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
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