Police Arrest Two Following Explosive Incident on Trans-Niger Pipeline

The Rivers State Police arrested two individuals concerning an explosion on the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline operated by Shell. The blast has been contained, and an investigation is underway, with authorities considering sabotage as a possible cause. Local and federal officials aim to ensure the safety of the region’s oil infrastructure following this incident.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two individuals related to the explosion on the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The incident, which occurred on a Monday night, ignited a significant fire in the mangrove area, now successfully extinguished, thus mitigating further environmental damage. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Police Public Relations Officer, emphasized that an extensive investigation into the explosion’s cause has begun.

The police are probing various angles, including the possibility of sabotage as the blast’s cause. “The Rivers State Police Command is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, and two individuals have been taken into custody for questioning,” said Iringe-Koko, underscoring that the investigation aims to determine any malicious intent behind the explosion. Security personnel first detected the blast during routine patrols and promptly notified SPDC, which activated safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline to prevent further damage.

Iringe-Koko reassured the community that the situation is stabilizing. The coordinated efforts of security forces and Shell ensured that the incident was controlled swiftly, alleviating potential threats to local residents and the environment. Following the blast, videos displayed dark smoke billowing from the site, with locals observing the aftermath and supporting authorities.

The exact cause of the explosion remains unestablished, with Minister of Regional Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, indicating in a recent interview that details are still being gathered, affirming, “At this moment, we have not gathered all the facts surrounding the explosion. However, we are fully committed to uncovering the truth, and the investigation continues.” Authorities are leaving no stone unturned as they seek to unpack the events leading to this alarming incident.

The explosion highlights the vulnerability of the region’s oil infrastructure, as similar incidents have occurred in the past. Both local and federal officials are unwavering in their commitment to unearthing the causes of the blast and securing justice for impacted individuals, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to prevent future occurrences.

In summary, the Rivers State Police Command has taken significant steps in investigating the recent explosion on the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Continuous efforts are ongoing to determine the cause of the blast, which raises concerns about the stability of the oil infrastructure in the region. Authorities are committed to ensuring that justice is served while implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com