The Federal Government has deployed 10,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel to protect oil pipelines and critical infrastructure following a series of blasts in Rivers State.
NSCDC spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, warning vandals to steer clear of national assets, especially in the oil-rich Niger Delta. The operatives will work with other security agencies to curb further attacks on pipelines.
This move comes as the political crisis in Rivers State worsens after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly members. Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the sole administrator of the state for six months. Ibas was sworn in at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The development followed three explosions in Rivers within two days, allegedly linked to threats by Ijaw groups protesting the planned impeachment of Governor Fubara. The blasts occurred as pro-Wike lawmakers listed 19 alleged infractions against Fubara to kickstart impeachment proceedings.
One of the explosions rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area. A vandal died in the blast while another suspect was arrested after a covert operation by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
Amid the tension, heavy military presence was noticed at the Government House in Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara reportedly vacated the premises, but his whereabouts remain unknown. Soldiers were seen storming the building, with armoured personnel carriers stationed at the gate.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly will today debate the legality of Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration, which sparked outrage from opposition lawmakers and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The PDP has rejected the president’s action, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba, accused Tinubu of attempting to suspend the 1999 Constitution and force an undemocratic regime on Nigerians. He insisted Fubara remains the duly elected Governor of Rivers State.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff and ex-Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, pledged to restore peace, law, and order in the state. “My priority is ensuring stability, and we will work with relevant authorities and the people to achieve that,” he said.
The debate at the National Assembly is expected to be heated as at least 73 senators and 240 House of Representatives members must vote to validate the emergency rule.
The Rivers crisis remains a major concern as Nigerians watch how the drama unfolds.