16th November, 2016
The Bayelsa Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it is investigating the claims of pipeline attacks on three crude trunk lines by Niger Delta Avengers.
The militant group had in a statement posted on its website on Wednesday claimed to have attacked pipelines operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company in Bayelsa.
The NSCDC said on Wednesday morning that its preliminary investigations showed that contrary to the claims of the Niger Delta Avengers that its fighters destroyed the pipelines in Nembe, the attacks reported occurred in a different location
It said that the compromised trunk lines were located at Lasukugbene in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Desmond Agu, confirmed on Wednesday that the command got a report that two explosions rocked the pipelines in Lasukugbene.
Agu said that NSCDC operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene only to discover that the attack was in a different location.
He explained that the explosion cut off the pipeline riser, adding that his men had been combing the area to track down the culprits.
Agu, who said that his command had recorded many successes in the fight against pipeline vandalism in the state, described the incident as an isolated case.
“We have been arresting suspected vandals in the state and that is why Bayelsa has been kept safe from major attacks.
“We have also foiled many attempts in the past to bomb pipelines. We are investigating this matter to bring the culprits to book.
“We are also warning youths in the state to stop causing trouble and to stay away from oil installations and critical national assets. The state and the Niger Delta region need peace to develop,” Agu said.