In response to a series of explosions targeting oil installations in Rivers State, the Federal Government has deployed 10,000 operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to safeguard critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta. The move follows heightened security concerns after multiple blasts rocked oil facilities between Sunday and Tuesday.
NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment of anti-vandal operatives. He emphasized that the personnel are tasked with protecting national assets and preventing further instances of pipeline vandalism.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta as over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to provide adequate peace and security of lives and property,” Babawale told the press.
Babawale further noted that the NSCDC commands nationwide have been placed on high alert to forestall economic sabotage. “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. In this regard, the corps across the federation have placed commands and formations on red alert to prevent acts of economic sabotage, pipeline vandalism, and destruction of government utilities,” he added.
The deployment comes amid a tense political climate in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state. The political crisis, which saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials, has exacerbated security concerns in the oil-rich region.
President Tinubu, in a national broadcast on Tuesday, announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly. He further appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the state’s sole administrator for an initial six-month period. Ibas was sworn in at the Aso Villa on Wednesday and is expected to assume administrative control of the state immediately.

The decision to impose emergency rule has been met with stiff resistance from opposition lawmakers and organised labour, who have decried the suspension of democratic structures in the state. The move followed a series of explosions in the state, which some groups had warned could escalate into further unrest.
Prior to the emergency rule declaration, the political atmosphere in Rivers State was already charged. On Monday, the Martin Amaewhule-led State Assembly, which remains loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, listed 19 infractions committed by Fubara in a misconduct notice, setting the stage for his impeachment.
Related: State of Emergency: “Reverse Fubara’s suspension, this is abuse of power- CNPP Urges Tinubu
Amid the political upheaval, a blast occurred on Sunday at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area. Security agents recovered a corpse at the scene of the explosion and arrested a suspect linked to the attack. According to an official from Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), “A suspected vandal was found dead at the site of the incident from the effects of the blast. Upon further investigation, a suspect was apprehended and is currently in police custody.”
Following the emergency declaration, military presence in Rivers State has intensified. Reports indicate that Governor Fubara vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, with his destination remaining unknown. Additional military personnel, including soldiers and armoured vehicles, were observed at key government installations in the state capital.
An aide to Fubara, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the growing military presence in the Government House. “As I speak with you, more soldiers are entering the Government House. This afternoon, over 15 arrived, believed to be an advanced team of the Sole Administrator,” the aide stated.
The legality of the emergency rule in Rivers State is set to be debated today in the National Assembly. The Senate and House of Representatives postponed deliberations to allow for further consultations. House spokesman Akin Rotimi confirmed that President Tinubu’s letter regarding the Rivers State crisis was transmitted to the legislature, but it was not read during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Signs of tension surfaced during the session as lawmakers engaged in heated exchanges over the constitutionality of the President’s decision. PDP lawmakers from Rivers and Bayelsa clashed verbally, while Ebonyi lawmaker Kama Nkemkanma was seen expressing frustration over the handling of the situation.
The final decision on the emergency rule lies with the National Assembly, as at least 73 senators and 240 House members must vote in support for it to take effect. Until then, opposition lawmakers continue to express reservations about what they describe as an attempt to subvert democracy in Rivers State.