The Federal Government of President Bola Tinubu has deployed 10,000 Troops of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel to curb further attacks on oil pipelines against the backdrop of the blasts at oil installations in Rivers State.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment of anti-vandal operatives.
He stated that the operatives were tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and preventing pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta as over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to provide adequate peace and security of lives and property,” Babawale said.
This situation escalated as opposition lawmakers and Organised Labour protested the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu, in a national broadcast on Tuesday, announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly members.
He also nominated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the state’s sole administrator.
Ibas, who was sworn in at the Aso Villa on Wednesday, will administer the state for an initial period of six months.
Before the declaration of the emergency rule, the political atmosphere in the state was highly charged, leading to three explosions within just two days. Troops thereafter were deployed to Rivers
The explosions followed threats by Ijaw groups against the push to impeach Fubara, as they vowed to disrupt oil production and cripple the economy if lawmakers removed the governor.
On Monday, the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, listed 19 infractions committed by Fubara in a misconduct notice, setting the stage for his impeachment.
Prior to the notice being served to both the governor and his deputy, an explosion occurred on Sunday at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, situated in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Security agents on Wednesday recovered a corpse at the site of the explosion, and a suspect was apprehended in connection with the blast.
An official stated that the suspect was taken into custody following credible intelligence from Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited’s covert team operating in Aluu.
The PINL staff member, who identified himself simply as Ebikeme, noted, “On Sunday the 16th day of March 2025, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu – Zone 5, and a suspected vandal was found dead at the site of the incident as a result of the explosion.
“Upon further investigation, a suspected vandal was apprehended in connection with the incident. The suspect is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police while ongoing investigations aim to apprehend all involved in the criminal acts.”
Commenting on the deployment of 10,000 armed personnel troopsof the NSCDC to curb pipeline vandalism, in Rivers State. Babawale emphasized that commands nationwide are now on high alert to protect the nation’s vital assets, especially in the Niger Delta region.
Babawale asserted, “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
“In this regard, the corps across the federation have placed the commands and formations on red alert to forestall all acts of economic sabotage, pipeline vandalism, and destruction of government utilities.
“However, it is essential to recognize that no single security agency has a monopoly on strategies for addressing crime; thus, the NSCDC is collaborating with other sister security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
On Wednesday, Governor Fubara moved out of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The governor’s whereabouts were not confirmed, leaving it uncertain whether he returned to his private residence in Port Harcourt or headed to his hometown in Opobo.
Nevertheless, an increase in military presence was observed, with more soldiers seen in patrol vans entering the Government House.
This military troops deployment in rivers is expected after the state of emergency has been declared.
Furthermore, access for persons and vehicles into the Government House was subjected to rigorous security checks.
An aide to Fubara, who requested anonymity, revealed to a news media that soldiers were taking control of the Government House.
He stated, “As I speak with you, more soldiers are entering the Government House. This afternoon, over 15 came in. They are believed to be an advanced team for the Sole Administrator who is still expected to resume duties. More soldiers arrived this evening.”
The aide could not provide information about the governor’s current location at the time of this report.