The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has firmly refuted any involvement in the recent pipeline explosions that led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency. He asserted that he had no role in the attacks and dismissed allegations of negligence in preventing militant threats. Tinubu’s Allegations Against Fubara President Tinubu had accused Fubara of failing to deter criminal elements from targeting oil installations in the state. Additionally, he criticized the Governor for not reconstructing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt after its demolition. Fubara Responds to Accusations In a statement issued by his press secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara blamed misinformation for the President’s stance. He insisted that his administration had always prioritized security and economic stability, emphasizing that he had never encouraged or signaled any attacks on oil pipelines. According to Fubara, the recent unrest in the Niger Delta region was sparked by comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. During a media interview, Wike reportedly dismissed the Ijaw people as politically insignificant, insinuating that other ethnic groups, including the Ogonis and Ikwerres, were also capable of militant actions. This, Fubara argued, provoked widespread backlash from Niger Delta stakeholders, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC), its youth wing, and other key groups. Fubara’s Commitment to Security Fubara highlighted his consistent efforts in maintaining peace and protecting oil infrastructure. He recalled his contributions as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations and reiterated his administration’s investment in security. The state government has enhanced the welfare and operational capacity of security forces by providing vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and improved accommodations for personnel. His administration’s focus on security, he noted, has significantly boosted oil production and revenue generation since his tenure began on May 29, 2023. Assembly Complex Controversy Addressing concerns about the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara clarified that the action was taken based on expert recommendations. He reminded the public that Wike himself had previously criticized the deteriorating condition of the complex and refused to allocate funds for its renovation during his tenure. Following the structural collapse on October 29, 2023, Fubara’s government initiated the construction of a modern legislative complex, which is now nearly 80% completed. Violence in Rivers State Fubara also pointed to violent incidents linked to Wike’s supporters, particularly during the October 5, 2024, local government elections. He alleged that FCT Minister’s loyalists attacked local government secretariats, yet his administration chose to maintain peace rather than retaliate. He urged security agencies to focus on the actual perpetrators of violence and ensure justice is served. The Governor reaffirmed his stance against any form of sabotage, emphasizing that he has consistently advocated for peace and stability in Rivers State. For further insights on the security situation in the Niger Delta, visit Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry Updates. By addressing security concerns, economic stability, and political tensions, Fubara aims to maintain peace in Rivers State. As the crisis unfolds, stakeholders continue to seek lasting solutions to the region’s challenges. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Suspects Attempted Attack on Petroleum Minister, Targeted Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services ABUJA – In a significant crackdown on oil theft and vandalism, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully arrested 17 suspects linked to recent attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. NSCDC Busts Oil Vandals in Niger Delta According to an official statement released on Monday, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed that operatives from the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) apprehended the suspects following a violent assault on NSCDC personnel and members of Tantita Security Services. Tantita, a private security outfit contracted by the Federal Government for pipeline surveillance, has been at the forefront of anti-vandalism operations. The ambush led to the tragic killing of Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu (Service No. 6363) and the theft of a speedboat owned by Tantita Security Services. Coordinated Arrest of 17 Suspects in Bayelsa Commandant A.S. Dandaura, leader of the special intelligence squad, disclosed that the arrests took place on March 6, 2025, during a high-stakes intelligence-driven operation in Tonogbene, Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The suspects, identified as members of a high-profile sea piracy syndicate, were rounded up in the well-coordinated sting operation. List of Apprehended Suspects: Weapons and Security Items Seized Security operatives recovered a cache of weapons and security paraphernalia from the suspects, including: Previous Attacks and Investigation Findings The latest arrests follow a similar attack on January 21, 2025, when heavily armed vandals and pirates stormed the NSCDC and Tantita Security base in Torugbene II, Ekeremo LGA, Bayelsa State. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, killing Assistant Superintendent Umar Aliyu and stealing his AK-47 rifle. Tantita Security operative Ebikame Seimeneyefa sustained gunshot injuries, while the security firm’s speedboat was hijacked during the assault. After weeks of relentless intelligence-gathering, law enforcement agencies tracked down and captured the 17-member gang, led by Ziakede Amatu. He is a notorious vandal, kidnapper, and armed robber from Norgbene community in Ekeremo, Bayelsa State. Suspects’ Links to Petroleum Minister’s Attack Preliminary investigations revealed shocking details: the arrested gang had previously attempted an attack on the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, at his residence on January 1, 2025. During interrogation, the ringleader, Amatu, confessed that he had been involved in illegal petroleum refining in Abonema, Rivers State, in 2023 under the leadership of a criminal mastermind known as “Emergency.” After Emergency vanished, he left behind seven AK-47 rifles hidden in the forest. Amatu later relocated to Bayelsa, where local elders allegedly advised him to retrieve the weapons under the guise of “community protection.” Failed Infiltration of Tantita Security Services Further investigations uncovered that Amatu had previously sought to join Tantita Security Services but was unsuccessful. Out of frustration, he acquired Tantita uniforms and disguised his gang as security operatives to facilitate attacks on oil installations. The suspects’ ultimate goal was to destabilize Tantita Security’s operations and discredit its chairman, High Chief Ekpemupolo Owiezide Government (commonly known as Tompolo). After failing to secure a surveillance contract, they resorted to violence, resulting in multiple security breaches and the tragic killing of a law enforcement officer. Government’s Response and Further Security Measures In response to the increasing attacks on oil and gas facilities, the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to combating pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s energy sector. Security forces have intensified efforts to reinforce critical infrastructure protection. Read more on Nigeria’s oil security challenges READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
