IPMAN Condemns Attack on Taskforce Supervisor Fighting Vandalism

The Rivers State chapter of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on its Okrika Taskforce Supervisor on Anti-Vandalism, Ibinabo Igbokiri.

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Igbokiri claimed he was violently attacked and injured by suspected pipeline vandals in the Green-Ama community, Okrika Local Government Area.

He explained that the assault followed a sting operation carried out by the IPMAN Taskforce in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). During the joint operation, the team raided the NNPC Okari Jetty—an area allegedly used by vandals—and recovered about 25 stolen pipeline components.

Igbokiri said the recovery appeared to have triggered the retaliatory attack days later.

Reacting to the incident, IPMAN Rivers State Chairman Tekena Ikpaki described the assault as “atrocious” and called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, community stakeholders, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) to curb pipeline vandalism in the region.

“If such acts continue, they could pose serious threats to lives and safety in the area,” Ikpaki warned. “We urge all relevant government agencies responsible for securing oil infrastructure to work more closely with IPMAN to enhance protection efforts for the Federal Government’s assets.”