POLICE ARREST 2 SUSPECTS OVER EXPLOSION ON TRANS-NIGER PIPELINE IN RIVERS STATE

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with an explosion on Monday night at the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Gokan Local Government Area of Rivers State. The blast at the Bodo community-end of the Trans-Niger Pipeline, which transports crude oil to the Bonny Terminal, was followed by a raging inferno. But the cause of the explosion had not been ascertained as at the time of filing in this report. Recall that some Niger Delta militant groups had threated to sabotage crude oil installations in the region due to the political crisis rocking Rivers State, and the recent Supreme Court judgment, which ordered the withholding funds meant for local government councils in the state. The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed in a statement that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion. Iringe-Koko said two suspects have also been arrested for questioning in connection with the incident in a bid to determine if it was an act of sabotage. The Police Public Relations Officer said security operatives on routine patrol on Monday observed the explosion and immediately notified officials of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) – operators of the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, She said an emergency response team was soon after mobilised to the scene, and safety protocols were activated, including shutting down the affected pipeline, which helped to bring the inferno under the control. The PPRO assured Rivers people and the general public that the State Police Command was committed to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities are identified and brought to justice. The Police also urge residents of the state to remain calm and vigilant, adding that the Command would not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain peace and security for all.