Despite stiff opposition by the impacted community, Oando on Tuesday attributed the June 27 oil leak at Azuzuama-1 flowline in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa to suspected third-party sabotage.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Alero Balogun, General Manager, Corporate Communications, Oando PLC
Balgun said the spill occurred along the company’s 4-inch Azuzuama-1 flowline at Azuzuama Community.
She said Oando immediately activated its emergency response team to contain the spill in line with established response protocols and regulatory requirements.
According to the statement, the company worked with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment and community representatives.
Key Highlights:
- Oando blamed the June 27 Bayelsa oil spill on suspected third-party sabotage.
- The company said it activated its emergency response team immediately.
- A UTM test reportedly found evidence of sabotage, a finding backed by regulators.
- Repairs were completed on July 19, with cleanup still ongoing.
- Oando reaffirmed its commitment to environmental remediation and safe operations.
Balgun further said the collaboration enabled the statutory Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) and advanced containment, repair and remediation efforts.
She explained that an Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) test was conducted on the affected section of the flowline during the technical investigation.
The test, she said, revealed evidence consistent with induced corrosion caused by third-party interference, commonly described as sabotage.
Balogun added that the finding was affirmed by regulatory authorities who participated in the investigation.
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She said repairs to the damaged section of the flowline were completed on July 19 after stakeholders restored access to the site.
According to the statement, environmental cleanup and remediation activities are ongoing in line with applicable environmental standards and regulatory requirements.
Balgun reaffirmed Oando’s commitment to safe and responsible operations, environmental protection and continued collaboration with regulators and host communities.
She said the company would ensure the timely completion of remediation activities while maintaining the integrity of its operations.
