Authorities in Rivers State have arrested two individuals in connection with the explosion that rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo community.
The police have also launched an investigation into the cause of the incident, which occurred late Monday night.
The explosion, which sent thick black smoke into the sky and ignited the surrounding mangrove, has since been extinguished.
Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Iroko, confirmed the arrests and emphasized that efforts are underway to determine whether sabotage played a role in the incident.
“The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. In connection with this, two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of efforts to uncover any potential act of sabotage,” Iringe-Iroko said in a statement on Tuesday.
Security operatives on night patrol were the first to notice the explosion, which occurred near the border of Kpor and Bodo communities.
They promptly alerted the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), operators of the pipeline, leading to the activation of emergency protocols.
“As a result of swift intervention, the situation is now under control, and there is no further threat to residents or the environment,” the police spokesperson assured.
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Meanwhile, Minister of Regional Affairs Abubakar Momoh acknowledged that details surrounding the explosion remain unclear.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics, he stated that investigations are ongoing.
“Up till this moment, we have not been able to get clear details as to what caused that very explosion, but investigations are going on,” he said, adding that a clearer picture would emerge in due course.
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing regions, has witnessed several pipeline-related incidents in the past, often linked to oil theft or operational faults.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.