Local communities in Bayelsa State have warned they will shut down key oil fields within 14 days.
They are protesting the removal of a community-backed security firm from protecting oil operations.
The affected communities, known as KEFFES, are demanding that NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) reverse its decision to cancel a contract with Multiplan Nigeria Limited, a security company they support. They also insist that all three community security vessels must remain in place at oil mining leases (OMLs) 86 and 88.
KEFFES represents eight oil-producing communities: Koluama 1 & 2, Ezetu 1 & 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, and Sangana, located in Brass and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State.
The dispute traces back to 2007, when Chevron Nigeria Limited introduced the security vessel contracts to protect the area and reduce attacks. When Chevron left in 2021, its successor, Pennington Production Limited—a subsidiary of NNPC—agreed to continue the contracts, including security services.
However, the communities claim NEPL recently removed Multiplan Nigeria Limited and awarded one of the security vessel contracts to a company without local ties. According to the communities, this decision violates past agreements and harms their economy.
“Our security and livelihoods are directly tied to these contracts,” the communities wrote in a letter dated March 28, 2025. “This unilateral decision to exclude us not only violates our agreement but threatens the fragile peace we have maintained over the years.”
The residents have outlined three key demands being the immediate reinstatement of all three security vessels, payment of outstanding security fees from 2024, and urgent talks with NEPL. The group warned that if their demands are not met, they say they will shut down oil production in the area.
