A major NPDC oil pipeline was has been blown up by suspected militants.



Though no group has, as at press time, claimed responsibility for the explosion at the oil field operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, in Delta State, the sabotage is coming a day after President Muhammadu Buhari met with leaders of the Niger Delta to resolve the crisis in the region.

The Joint Military Task Force, JTF, deployed to the Niger Delta confirmed the Wednesday explosion.

Olaolu Daudu, spokesman of the JTF, code-named “Operation Delta Safe’’ said investigations had commenced.

He said troops deployed to the area heard an explosion at the Bantan Flow Station run by NPDC, a subsidiary of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe located at Sector 1, in Delta while on routine patrol heard an explosive sound caused by suspected economic saboteurs at Bantan Flow Station around Ekweregbene, Bantan general area.

“The incident is however, being investigated and details will be made available as events unfold.


“Also, troops of Forward Operation Base, deployed at Bonny in Rivers, while on anti – crude oil theft/ illegal bunkering patrol, discovered two illegal refinery sites along Ogbunku Creek,” he said.

He further said the troops recovered three 40 horse power outboard engines and three pumping machines.

Wednesday’s explosion may further affect Nigeria’s dwindling foreign earnings which have been blamed for the country’s current recession. Sabotage of oil and gas facilities led to an almost 50 per cent reduction of Nigeria’s crude exports and also worsened the electricity situation as gas powered plants could not receive gas.

At the meeting, the Niger Delta leaders presented a 16-point demand to Mr. Buhari.

The demands include rapid development of the region and inclusion of people from the region in ownership of oil blocs.

Cjrane2:
Lol....Why is the crocodile not smiling?

I thought everything is resolved by simply giving orders to the army to go and kill innocent civilians in their villages. While the militants are busy wiping the broad smile off the crocodile's face.

sarrki:
A criminal no matter how you treat him

Will always behave like one

When I said Muhammadu Buhari should not

Negotiate with criminals I was called all sorts of names

Now baba send burutai alias brutal to do the needful

Cjrane2:
Lol....Why is the crocodile not smiling?

I thought everything is resolved by simply giving orders to the army to go and kill innocent civilians in their villages. While the militants are busy wiping the broad smile off the crocodile's face.

kcnwaigbo:

Buruntashi has been trying to do the needful but has been just clueless about it

sarrki:


The truth is when he's allowed to operate freely

It will be glaring to all

Wait bro ,

are you supporting the Avengers?

kcnwaigbo:

It is none of your business whom am supporting. BTW why is Buhari and Burutai so incompetent!! Look at how this boys are disgracing them in the midst of their so called operation crocodile smile gosh!!! And buhari is supposed to be a retired army General! Gosh that's why its good to join the army with Waec certificate

BTW nobody stopped the incompetent burutai from operating freely

sarrki:


Bro

Our country should be topmost on our hearts

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

God bless Muhammadu Buhari

lustychima:
This is the reason the president never takes the people of this region serious

U want to be heard, negotiation is ongoing, u are still destroying the area ur elders at the negotiation table said it need clean up

Ur E-supporters are clapping for them, but once the army go on a killing spree

U start hearing Genocide, oil is more important to the president than d lives of niger deltans, d president is a dullard

Now niger delta E- dullards are clapping for the millitants, just don't forget to clap when d really dullards give a reply of tears to ur region

kcnwaigbo:

Country is topmost in your heart yet you are so filled with hate.I read your comments on the thread where Prof Okonjo was honoured in Ghana and I felt sorry for this country because of what hate can cause

sarrki:


Bro

Our country should be topmost on our hearts

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

God bless Muhammadu Buhari

sarrki:


Bro

Our country should be topmost on our hearts

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

God bless Muhammadu Buhari