Korede Abdullah 
YENAGOA, Nigeria – Oando Plc has attributed the Bayelsa oil spill that occurred along its Azuzuama-1 flowline in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area to suspected third-party sabotage, following a joint investigation involving regulators and community representatives.
The company disclosed the findings on Tuesday in a statement issued by its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Alero Balogun, saying the spill occurred on 27 June on the four-inch Azuzuama-1 flowline in Azuzuama community. She said Oando immediately activated its emergency response team to contain the spill in line with regulatory requirements and established emergency response procedures.
Balogun said the company worked with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment and representatives of the host community to conduct the statutory Joint Investigation Visit (JIV), as well as containment, repair and remediation activities.
“An Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement test conducted on the affected section of the flowline during the technical investigation indicated evidence consistent with induced corrosion caused by third-party interference, commonly described as sabotage,” Balogun said, adding that the findings were affirmed by regulatory authorities that participated in the investigation.
She disclosed that repairs to the damaged section of the pipeline were completed on 19 July after access to the site was restored, while environmental clean-up and remediation efforts remain ongoing in accordance with environmental standards.
Balogun reaffirmed Oando’s commitment to safe operations, environmental protection and collaboration with regulators and host communities, saying the company would ensure the timely completion of remediation activities while maintaining the integrity of its assets.
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