The Federal Government has deployed 10,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure in Rivers State following a series of explosions at oil installations between Sunday and Tuesday.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment in an interview with Punch on Wednesday, emphasizing the corps’ commitment to preventing further attacks on vital national assets. He stated that the operatives were sent to the Niger Delta region to curb pipeline vandalism and ensure the security of oil facilities.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta. Over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure peace and security, safeguarding lives and property,” he said.
The deployment follows heightened tensions in Rivers State after multiple pipeline explosions and threats from Ijaw groups opposing the possible impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The groups warned of economic disruption if lawmakers proceeded with removing the governor.
Amid the escalating crisis, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a national address on Tuesday, he announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all state House of Assembly members for six months. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the sole administrator of the state and was sworn in at the Aso Villa on Wednesday.
Babawale stressed that the NSCDC is fully committed to protecting national infrastructure and is working closely with other security agencies. “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure,” he noted.
He added that all NSCDC commands nationwide have been placed on high alert to prevent acts of economic sabotage, pipeline vandalism, and destruction of government utilities. Babawale also acknowledged the need for collaboration, stating that no single security agency has a monopoly on crime-fighting strategies, making inter-agency cooperation essential in securing the nation’s resources.