The West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (WAPCo) has raised concerns over ongoing illegal mining activities along its gas pipeline network, warning of serious safety and environmental risks.

Temitope Sodeinde, country head of external relations (Nigeria), issued the warning during WAPCo’s annual sand mining workshop on Thursday in the Igbesa community, Lagos.

Mr Sodeinde highlighted that illegal sand mining along the pipeline’s right-of-way had created dangerous, five-metre-deep pits that threaten the structural integrity of the 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,” Mr Sodeinde explained.

He added that the police, the National Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies had pledged to arrest those involved in illegal mining along the gas 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,” Mr Sodeinde added.

He warned that a small mistake could lead to disaster, putting lives and property at great risk.

“This is a threat we have been trying to prevent for years, and it requires urgent action,” he stressed.

ACP Folashade Tanaruno, the area commander of Agbara police, urged illegal miners to cease their activities or face arrest.

She stressed that miners must maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from the pipeline to avoid potential explosions.

Esther Odesanya, area commander of the NSCDC, 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,” Ms Odesanya said.

Moshood Balogun, chairman of Yewa Zone miners, claimed some illegal miners operate with collusion from 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,” Mr Balogun said.

(NAN)