The Forum of Forensic Civil Society Groups in Nigeria has expressed opposition to fragmentation of pipeline surveillance operations.

The Forum, in a communiqué in Abuja by the Convener, Dr. Opialu Fabian, at the end of a two-day National Dialogue on Pipeline Security, organised with the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, emphasized fragmentation could weaken coordination and worsen oil theft in the creeks.

Participants were of the view that Nigeria’s oil pipelines remain central to economic stability and called for sustained protection of critical oil infrastructure. They commended recent gains in crude oil production and reduced vandalism, attributing them to coordinated surveillance systems.

The Forum cautioned against breaking up existing arrangements in the name of inclusion, warning that such moves could undermine accountability, create security gaps and embolden oil theft networks.

It stressed that pipeline protection is a sensitive national security responsibility requiring discipline, intelligence coordination and a clear chain of command, not political patronage.

The communiqué called for consolidation of existing gains, stronger oversight and improved transparency in surveillance operations, and urged unity of purpose in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil assets.