Helicopters and gunboats have been deployed in Warri, Delta State, to forestall fresh vandalisation of the Chanomi Creeks pipeline.
The helicopters belong to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation while the gunboats are owned by the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta � Operation Restore Hope.
Our correspondent gathered in Warri on Monday that the deployment of the gunboats to patrol the creeks was at the instance of the NNPC.
A source said that the corporation had also engaged the services of some notable militants to further secure the pipeline.
The source said, �We (Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company management) have devised strategies to shield the pipeline from fresh sabotage.
�There are security measures to protect the pipeline both in the air and on the ground. We are using our (NNPC) helicopters for aerial monitoring and the military task force has also assisted us with some gunboats to keep vigil over the flow line.
�More importantly, we have asked the so-called militants to also assist us to protect the pipeline because we cannot afford a fresh attack on it. So, all hands are on deck to ensure the safety of the pipeline.
�You realise that the rupture on the pipeline in 2006 led to the closure of the WRPC for two years. We dont�t want that to happen again.�
The pipeline, which is known as System 2C, was vandalised by suspected militants in the Niger Delta in February 2006.
Measuring 20,000 cubic metres, it conveys crude from the various fields of Chevron Nigeria Limited in Escravos to the WRPC.