The manager of NNPC’s Mosinmi Depot, Engr. Francis Wono, on Saturday in Lagos said the corporation requires the help of all host communities in curbing pipeline vandalism in the country.

Wono told newsmen in an interview that pipeline vandalism had become a big challenge to the NNPC.

“NNPC needs the intervention of all the communities to keep watch, and the various communities and individuals should support government in fighting pipeline vandalism in the country,’’ he said.

The depot manager pointed out that the task is the responsibility of those communities the NNPC pipelines pass through their areas.

“They have that as a duty, to ensure adequate and prompt protection of the pipelines from vandals,’’ he said.

Wono said the corporation has however been working cordially with the host communities in ensuring that NNPC pipelines are duly protected.

“We implore all state governments, community leaders and security agencies to work hand in hand with NNPC in ensuring culprits of pipeline vandalism were appropriately apprehended,’’ he said.

Wono disclosed that NNPC had engaged the services of private surveillance agencies to secure its pipelines across the country to ensure suspected vandals were arrested and brought to book.

He urged all communities to help NNPC in safeguarding the pipelines.

“This is because they are our national asset, and it is in the community’s interest to do whatever we can to protect this national endowment as they exist within our boundaries,’’ the depot manager said.

Wono, however, expressed his worry that there are still many incidents of pipeline vandalism in spite of government efforts.

He said government would soon embark on the task of re-orientating community leaders on pipelines security.

“This is to ensure they collaborate with the corporation in meeting the challenge of eradicating pipeline vandalism,’’ the NNPC official said.