Abili Integrated Services Limited, who is responsible with the provision of security services for pipelines in the Niger Delta region, has denied accusations against it of being involved in sabotage activities.
At a media conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the corporation said that accusations of incompetence and sabotage were baseless and were defamatory to their organization. They stated that they were hired in 2021 by the Oando
Plc (previously NAOC) to provide protection services to their oil assets in 12 local government areas of Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, and Delta states.
The Managing Director, Brown Edoghotu, clarified the accusations leveled against him about the video that went viral on social media, which apparently involved his involvement in the oil spillage. He explained that he visited Oshika in Ahaoda West Local Government Area of Rivers State on September 22, 2022, to conduct an evaluation of the damages and organize rescue operations.
According to him, he made this trip alongside other representatives from the Nigeria Agip Oil Company and the police, military, and civil defense corps.
The reaction from Abili comes after reports by the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, made at a session held by the National Assembly concerning pipeline protection. The firm has accused these claims as being intended to discredit their competitors and monopolize the contracts for the surveillance of pipelines.
According to Edoghotu, the performance of Abili stands out in itself. He pointed out that its oil output was at 96 per cent and therefore, the company had nothing to apologize about.
The company called for fairness in all dealings within the industry while emphasizing the need for accountability among those involved in the oil and gas theft saga.
