Federal Government Deploys 10,000 NSCDC Personnel to Protect Oil Pipelines in Niger Delta

In response to a series of explosions at oil installations in Rivers State, the Federal Government has deployed 10,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prevent further attacks on critical national infrastructure. The deployment follows blasts that occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, escalating concerns over pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage.

Confirming the deployment on Wednesday, NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, stated that the operatives were assigned to protect vital infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where oil pipelines have been targeted.

“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 said.

Political Crisis in Rivers State

The security reinforcement comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule. In a national broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the state’s sole administrator for an initial six-month period.

The emergency declaration followed a charged political atmosphere that saw three explosions in two days. The attacks were reportedly linked to threats from Ijaw groups opposing moves to impeach Fubara, with the groups vowing to disrupt oil production if the governor was removed from office.

On Monday, a faction of the Rivers State Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, presented a notice listing 19 infractions allegedly committed by Fubara, paving the way for impeachment proceedings.

Before this notice was served, an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Sunday. Security agents recovered a corpse at the scene, and a suspect was arrested in connection with the blast.

Security Agencies Intensify Operations

A staff member of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), identified as Ebikeme, disclosed that covert operations led to the arrest of the suspect.

“On Sunday, the 16th of March 2025, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu – Zone 5. A suspected vandal was found dead at the site from the effects of the blast. Upon further investigation, another suspected vandal was apprehended and is currently in police custody while further investigations continue,” Ebikeme said.

Speaking on the deployment of NSCDC personnel, Babawale reiterated that the agency remains committed to safeguarding critical assets and preventing 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. Commands across the federation have been placed on red alert to forestall acts of vandalism and destruction of government utilities,” Babawale stated.

He emphasized that the NSCDC is collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in the region.

Military Presence Strengthens in Port Harcourt

Meanwhile, security presence has intensified in Port Harcourt, with more soldiers deployed to the Government House. Reports indicate that Governor Fubara vacated the premises on Wednesday, though his exact whereabouts remain unclear. It is uncertain whether he relocated to his private residence in Port Harcourt or returned to his hometown in Opobo.

Eyewitnesses confirmed seeing increased military activity, with three Armoured Personnel Carriers stationed at the entrance of the Government House. Strict security checks were also being conducted on individuals and vehicles entering the premises.

An aide to Fubara, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that soldiers were occupying 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 who is still expected to assume duties. This evening, more soldiers joined them,” the aide disclosed.

The political and security situation in Rivers State continues to develop as the Federal Government takes measures to restore stability and protect the country’s economic assets.

ABEOKUTA NORTH LG OVERHAULS REVENUE SYSTEM, SETS UP DIGITAL TRACKING

Abeokuta North Local Government has embarked on a comprehensive revenue reform aimed at boosting its financial base and ensuring accountability.

The Executive chairman of the local government Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, announced this during a press conference held at the council secretariat on Monday.

While addressing the press, the chairman said upon assuming office, his administration discovered that the revenue base of the local government was significantly low and mismanaged.

To address this, he canceled all previous revenue collection contracts and set up a Revenue Monitoring Team (RMT), led by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Taiyelolu Egbeyemi.

“As of today, we have identified 67 revenue points within the local government, compared to the 10 or 15 revenue points we met on the ground,” Oyegbola-Sodipo revealed.

“We have deployed able and committed young men to monitor revenue collection, and we are now working towards scaling up our revenue drive across all identified points.”

The Chairman added that the local government is also introducing a digital revenue collection system to enhance efficiency and transparency adding that the system will officially commence on Wednesday in which all levies and taxes are paid digitally.

Providing an example of how this will work, the chairman explained that petrol stations in the local government were previously charged a flat rate, regardless of the number of pumps they had.

This, he noted, was unfair. “We have now introduced a pump-based levy system to ensure fairness. Starting Wednesday, we will begin capturing and onboarding all petrol stations into the digital system,” he said.

The chairman also said the new system will be extended to markets, with market women being properly identified and grouped into clusters.

Hon. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo also highlighted plans to maximize local government assets, citing Ori-Omi, a local venue previously rented out for as low as ₦90,000 per event.

He described this as a gross abuse of government property and announced an immediate review of its management to increase revenue generation.

Furthermore, a Skills and Enterprise Development Center is being established within the council secretariat to support young entrepreneurs.

According to Oyegbola-Sodipo, a team of seven young professionals has worked for nearly nine weeks to develop a blueprint for the center.

“The center will provide a platform for young people to develop their innovations and grow their businesses,” he said.

Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a more transparent, accountable, and efficient local government.

His words” if you are unable to measure anything, then you’ll be unable to manage it, whatever you can’t measure, you cannot manage.

“Whatever you cannot inspect don’t expect, it is on this principle that we charge ourselves that we need to do a complete overhaul the process, the system, the architecture that drives our revenue in the local government.”

The chairman assured residents that these reforms will not only boost internally generated revenue (IGR) but also improve service delivery and attract more development projects to the local government.

PDP Chieftain Ewenla Condemns State of Emergency in Rivers

By Ifeoma Ikem

Prince (Dr.) Adedipe Ewenla, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He described the move as a total disregard for Rivers people, an attack on PDP, and a serious embarrassment to Nigeria as a democratic nation.

Background of the Crisis in Rivers

It would be recalled that Rivers has been embroiled in a festering political crisis, revolving around a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis escalated due to political realignments within the state legislature and disagreements over governance, leading to violent clashes, destruction of property, and threats of impeachment.

The political turmoil drew national attention, with concerns over law and order in the oil-rich state. While President Tinubu initially called for political actors to respect court rulings and embrace dialogue, he has now taken the drastic step of imposing a state of emergency, citing worsening security concerns.

Ewenla’s Condemnation of State of Emergency

Amb. Ewenla, in his reaction, condemned the decision, arguing that the imposition of emergency rule is undemocratic and a direct attack on PDP, the ruling party in Rivers. He asserted that the move was an abuse of federal power aimed at suppressing opposition-led states.

According to Ewenla, the crisis should have been resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than the suspension of democratic governance. He warned that using emergency rule as a political weapon could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

Call for Reversal and Respect for Democracy

Ewenla called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the declaration and allow Rivers handle its internal matters through democratic processes. He urged PDP leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to resist any external interference that undermines the state’s autonomy.

The PDP chieftain also expressed concerns that the emergency declaration would damage Nigeria’s international reputation and discourage investors, given that Rivers is one of the country’s key economic hubs.

The state of emergency in Rivers State marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. While the federal government justifies the decision as a security measure, opposition voices like Prince Ewenla argue that it undermines democracy. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether political dialogue or federal intervention shapes the future of governance in Rivers State.