The Rivers State Police Command says it has arrested two suspects for their alleged connection with Monday night’s explosion at the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s public relations officer, PRO, Grace Iringe-Koko, superintendent of police, SP, announced the arrest of the suspects on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Iringe-Koko said the explosion affected a Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility.
Iringe-Koko stated that the explosion damaged the pipeline that transported crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, a key crude oil export facility, adding that it was detected by security operatives during a routine patrol in the area.
According to her, “Operatives observed the incident and immediately alerted SPDC management. SPDC quickly initiated necessary safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline.
“The situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment.”
Iringe-Koko said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion and assess the extent of the damage.
Iringe-Koko further disclosed that two persons had been taken in for questioning to ascertain whether the incident involved sabotage.
“The command remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for this crime are identified and brought to justice,” Iringe-Koko said.
The police spokesperson urged residents of the area to remain calm and be vigilant, saying: “The command is commitment to public safety”.
Iringe-Koko also called on residents of Rivers State to report any security concern to the police.
The explosion occurred amid escalating political tensions over the ongoing impeachment plot against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
It would also be recalled that some militant groups recently threatened to attack pipelines in the Niger Delta in response to the Supreme Court’s judgement, which withheld revenue allocations to Rivers State.