Tensions Soar As Militants In Rivers State Plot Major Offensive During Emergency Rule

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a key grassroots NGO in the Niger Delta, raised the alarm about the incident. The group received reports of the explosion at the Soku oil facility, which is operated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, in the early hours of Sunday.

A statement from YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, confirmed the explosion through the group’s network of volunteers in the area. According to the report, “An explosion, accompanied by fireballs, was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is hard to access. The fire was still raging at the time of this report.”

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, with speculation suggesting equipment failure, sabotage, or an attack on the facility.

This incident marks the third explosion in Rivers State in less than a week, following blasts in Ogoni and Oga/Egbama/Ndoni Local Government Areas. These events were highlighted by President Bola Tinubu in his March 18 broadcast when he declared a six-month state of emergency in the state.

In response, YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the explosion at Soku and urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a joint investigation to determine the cause. The group stressed that those responsible should be held accountable under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

Fresh Tensions as Militants Plan Attacks

Meanwhile, a confidential report has revealed that militant leaders in the Niger Delta have secretly reconvened in an undisclosed creek community to plan attacks on oil facilities, raising further concerns over regional security.

This meeting took place shortly after President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared a state of emergency in the state.

Although details of the gathering remain limited, sources suggest that the militant leaders are seeking support from various Niger Delta groups and are consulting widely with other leaders.

Commander Bibi Oduku, the commandant general of the Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), confirmed the growing security threat in the Niger Delta, warning that it could significantly harm Nigeria’s economy.

Oduku urged President Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of Governor Fubara, citing the rising risks from militant activities. “Militant groups are planning to attack federal government properties across Niger Delta states, and criminal elements may exploit the situation for violence,” he said. “This could lead to loss of life among innocent citizens and military personnel deployed for peacekeeping.”

Despite the escalating threats, Oduku assured the public that riverine security officers are on high alert and will collaborate with the Nigerian military and other security agencies to apprehend those behind attacks on federal government properties.

Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, overseeing the waterways of Rivers and Delta States, pledged to support the military in maintaining peace in the region.

Oduku also referenced a warning from former presidential amnesty head Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh (retd.), urging Niger Delta youths to avoid letting anger lead them to violence.

Oduku condemned the recent destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states and vowed that security forces would bring those responsible to justice.