••Attacks on key oil installations signal a dangerous escalation following federal intervention in Rivers State.
Under the banner of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (M.E.N.D), militant groups identifying as the Liberation Army of the Niger Delta and Bakassi (L.A.N.D. & B) have claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on critical oil infrastructure in Rivers State. The strikes, occurring in the early hours of Sunday, have heightened tensions in the already volatile oil-rich region, which is grappling with a deepening political crisis.
The militants reportedly targeted the Ogada Brass Agip trunk line, a crucial conduit stretching from Omoku to the Brass Agip terminal, at approximately 2:00 a.m., resulting in its destruction. A strategic site along the Oron River, situated behind the Maritime Academy, was also attacked, underscoring the group’s intention to disrupt Nigeria’s vital economic assets.
In a statement issued by a masked figure identified as the Operations Commander of L.A.N.D. & B, the group declared these attacks as the initial phase of a campaign aimed at forcibly removing what they termed “usurpers of the people’s legitimate authority” from Rivers State.
“We call upon all armed groups in Rivers State not to allow this affront pass without a fitting consequence,” the statement asserted, directly referencing the recent controversial federal political intervention in the state. The statement further indicated that follow-up communications would be managed through M.E.N.D.
Political Crisis Fuels Militant Resurgence
These attacks are a direct consequence of the escalating political unrest in Rivers State, triggered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in March. This was swiftly followed by the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state house of assembly – a move the presidency defended as necessary to address “threats to democratic stability and governance.”
However, this federal intervention has been met with fierce opposition from Governor Fubara’s supporters and has ignited fears of a resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, a region historically plagued by armed groups exploiting political instability to justify attacks on oil infrastructure.
Critics argue that the suspension undermines the democratic will of the Rivers State electorate and sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach. Civil society organizations and local leaders had previously warned of potential violent reprisals, particularly from individuals and groups with deep roots in the militant struggles of the early 2000s.
Economic Implications and Lack of Official Response
The renewed militant activity poses a significant threat not only to the security of Rivers State but also to Nigeria’s fragile oil-dependent economy. The damaged Agip trunk line is a vital artery for crude oil transportation, and any prolonged disruption could severely impact the nation’s exports and government revenue.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement or response from the Nigerian military or the presidency regarding these attacks. The nation now awaits how the government will address this dangerous escalation in the Niger Delta.
Niger Delta Militants Strike Oil Infrastructure, Threaten Further Action Amid Rivers State Political Turmoil
