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EXPLOSION AT TRANS NIGER DELTA PIPELINE IN RIVERS STATE: POLICE ASSURE RESIDENTS OF SAFETY, LAUNCH INVESTIGATION

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed a fire incident at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)-operated Trans Niger Delta Pipeline, located at the border of Kpor and Bodo communities. The explosion occurred during a routine night patrol, prompting security operatives to alert SPDC management, which swiftly initiated safety protocols, including shutting down the affected pipeline. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, assured residents that the situation is now under control and poses no further threat to lives or the environment. “The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire,” the statement read. As part of the investigation, two individuals have been taken in for questioning to ascertain any potential act of sabotage. The Command emphasized its commitment to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for criminal activities. “We urge residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them of our unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property,” the statement added. The Police Command also called on members of the public to report any useful information regarding the incident or suspicious activities. Residents can contact the nearest police station or call the following lines: Control Room at 08032003514 or 08098880134, PPRO at 09014273818, and CRU at 08120822987 or 09035774814. SP Grace Iringe-Koko reiterated the Command’s dedication to maintaining peace and security in Rivers State, stating, “The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of all residents.”

NOSDRA CONTAINS OIL SPILL IN BAYELSA COMMUNITY

By Xtian Itoto-Ogodo The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has launched an investigation into a crude oil spill from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) 16″ Nun River-Kolo creek pipeline at Obololi community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State. The Agency received a report on Monday, February 17, 2025, and immediately convened a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the incident area on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. In a statement, the Director General/Chief Executive of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, said the investigation team comprised relevant stakeholders including SPDC, the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, and the Community. The team was established to determine the indices around the incident and recommend necessary regulatory compliance actions to mitigate it. Woke noted that the cause of the spill is unknown because the suspected leak point/pipeline is submerged in the water, implying that the JIV is inconclusive. SPDC is currently preparing a coffer dam to enable the team to access the spill point. Containment of the spill area has been completed, and temporary storage tanks are in transit to the spill location. Recovery of free phase oil is expected to commence on Friday, February 21, 2025. Woke stated that the Agency is actively monitoring the ongoing response and continuously evaluating the situation to ensure that appropriate response actions are deployed accordingly. The Agency will provide further details as events unfold, Woke added. Chukwuemeka Woke emphasized that NOSDRA is committed to ensuring that the oil spill is effectively managed and mitigated.