An explosion has rocked a major oil pipeline, the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), at Bodo, Gokana local government area of Rivers State.
Although the incident occurred on Monday night, the affected section of the major pipeline was on fire on Tuesday morning.
Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the atmosphere, with a raging fire spreading fast into the mangrove from a video that emerged on Tuesday morning.
Authorities were yet to determine whether the incident resulted from human interference, especially amid recent threats by militant groups to attack oil installations in response to the federal government’s withholding of Rivers State’s monthly allocations due to the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The TNP is a federal transport line that supplies oil to the Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers State.
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When contacted, the Rivers State Police Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she did not have the full details of the incident yet.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the explosion. As part of the investigation, two individuals have been taken in for questioning in connection with the explosion.
The Police Command said it is working to determine the cause of the explosion and to identify those responsible.
According to a statement by the Police Command, signed by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the explosion occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC)-operated TNP and was discovered during a routine night patrol by security operatives.
She added that the affected pipeline was shut down as part of the necessary safety protocols.
The statement read: “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a fire incident occurred at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)-operated Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, located at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities.
“During a routine night patrol, security operatives observed the incident and promptly alerted SPDC management. The latter initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline. As a result of swift intervention, the situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.
“The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. In connection with this, two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage. The Command remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities are identified and brought to justice.”
