From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The people of Nembe Kingdom in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have established a community-based security outfit to tackle marine security challenges and protect vital oil and gas assets in the area.
The security company, named Kala Ekulema Nembe Marine Guards Limited (KENMGL), is expected to play a critical role in addressing insecurity within the waterways, while also upholding the Federal Government’s directives on safeguarding petroleum infrastructure.
The initiative was formally inaugurated by the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom, His Eminence, King (Dr.) Edmund Daukoru, FIC, CON, JP, the 12th Mingi of Nembe, and former Minister of Petroleum Resources as well as ex-Secretary/Chairman of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Speaking at the inauguration, King Daukoru said the establishment of KENMGL was in line with the provisions of Section 6 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Act stipulates that host communities would forfeit part of their 3% Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) entitlement if sabotage or vandalism of oil facilities occurs within their domains.
The monarch appointed retired Rear Admiral Godwill Siempre Ombo as the Executive Chairman of the new security firm. KENMGL’s mandate includes protecting strategic assets such as OML 29, Okiori Marginal Field, Elepa Field, and other facilities operated by major firms like Oando African Energy Resources Limited in joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement issued in Yenagoa and available to Salient Times News, Ombo emphasized the crucial responsibility of host communities in safeguarding oil infrastructure. He noted that beyond the financial losses communities may incur from sabotage, harmony with operators remains essential for sustainable development.
He assured that KENMGL would collaborate closely with federal and state maritime security agencies to combat piracy, sea robbery, oil pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, drug trafficking, terrorism, and related crimes. “We will also train and empower personnel of KENMGL and local vigilantes with modern techniques to enhance security in the kingdom,” he added.
Other members of the management team include Chief Isaiah Young Dede (Vice Chairman), Patrick Derri (Secretary/Director Legal), Chief Asari Mangete (Logistics), Sinclare Orugbani (Director Operations), George Kumo (Director, Finance and Administration), and Alabo Christopher Erewari Igoniowei (Assistant Secretary).
The statement noted that these individuals are expected to bring their experience and expertise to bear in managing what has been described as the pioneer community-based maritime security outfit in the Niger Delta.
Addressing journalists, the company’s Secretary/Director Legal, Ayebanua, explained that the Mingi-in-Council established KENMGL to protect Nembe from criminal activities within the waterways. He urged the NNPCL to review the award of security contracts in accordance with constitutional provisions, pointing out that despite the presence of federal and state security agencies, oil theft and pipeline vandalism still persist in Nembe.
“Our task is to work with security agencies to ensure peaceful coexistence between host communities, companies, and individuals operating in Nembe Kingdom,” Ayebanua said.
Also speaking, Executive Chairman Rear Admiral Ombo (rtd) warned that henceforth, any individual or entity operating within Nembe Kingdom’s maritime domain without clearance from the Mingi-in-Council would be deemed illegal and face legal consequences in accordance with Nigerian law.
