The Federal
Government has deployed 10,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
personnel to protect oil pipelines following a series of explosions in Rivers
State between Sunday and Tuesday.
NSCDC
spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, stating
that operatives would collaborate with other security agencies to prevent
further vandalism of critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
‘The NSCDC
warns against the destruction of national assets. Over 10,000 operatives have
been deployed to ensure peace and security,” Babawale said.
Meanwhile,
opposition lawmakers and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have protested
President Bola Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State. Tinubu,
in a national broadcast on Tuesday, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his
deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and state assembly members, appointing Vice Admiral
Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator for an initial six-month
period.
The
political crisis in the state escalated after lawmakers loyal to former
Governor Nyesom Wike listed 19 misconduct allegations against Fubara,
initiating impeachment proceedings. Tensions intensified following threats from
Ijaw groups to disrupt oil production if Fubara was removed, leading to three
explosions within 48 hours.
On Sunday,
an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government
Area. Security forces later recovered a body and arrested a suspect, identified
through intelligence from Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The NSCDC
has placed all commands nationwide on high alert, with Babawale stating, “No
security agency has a monopoly on strategies to tackle crime, so we are working
with other agencies to protect lives and property.”
More
Soldiers Deployed, Fubara’s Whereabouts Unknown
On
Wednesday, Governor Fubara vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt,
though his destination remained unclear. More soldiers arrived at the premises,
with security tightened around the building.
Eyewitnesses
reported that three Armoured Personnel Carriers were stationed at the entrance,
while movement in and out of the Government House was heavily monitored.
An aide to
Fubara, speaking anonymously, confirmed the increased military presence,
saying, “More soldiers are entering the Government House. Over 15 arrived this
afternoon, likely an advanced team for the Sole Administrator. More came in
this evening.”
As of the
time of filing this report, Fubara’s whereabouts remain unknown.
