Youth leaders from across the Niger Delta on Monday gathered in Abuja for a peace and solidarity walk in support of efforts to protect Nigeria’s oil pipeline infrastructure and curb crude oil theft in the region.
The event was organised by the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum and attracted representatives from different ethnic groups across the oil-producing region. The participants marched peacefully toward the National Assembly, where they are expected to present a position paper on pipeline security and regional stability.
Leading the mobilisation was the Chairman of the Forum and President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr. The group said the exercise was intended to demonstrate support for initiatives aimed at safeguarding critical oil and gas assets.
The youth leaders also acknowledged the role of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in ongoing surveillance operations across parts of the Niger Delta. According to the organisers, improved monitoring of pipelines has contributed to reducing cases of vandalism and illegal oil bunkering in some areas.
They noted that the protection of oil infrastructure remains important to Nigeria’s economic stability because crude oil exports continue to generate a large share of national revenue.
Participants carried placards with messages promoting peace, unity, and cooperation among communities in the Niger Delta. They urged authorities to maintain strategies that strengthen security around oil facilities while ensuring stability in host communities.
The organisers said the walk was also aimed at encouraging collaboration between local communities, security agencies, and other stakeholders involved in protecting national assets.
They warned that pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft continue to threaten government revenue, damage the environment, and disrupt economic activities in the region.
The procession moved through parts of the Federal Capital Territory under security supervision without any reported incident.
The youth leaders reaffirmed their support for lawful measures designed to secure pipelines and other critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta, stressing that peace in the region remains essential for national development.
