Under the banner of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (M.E.N.D), armed militants from the Liberation Army of the Niger Delta and Bakassi (L.A.N.D. & B) reportedly carried out coordinated attacks on critical oil installations in Rivers State early Sunday, escalating tensions in the oil-rich region amid a deepening political crisis..
The assaults resulted in the destruction of the Ogada Brass Agip trunk line, which runs from Omoku to the Brass Agip terminal, at approximately 2:00 a.m.
Also targeted was a strategic location along the Oron River, behind the Maritime Academy, further signalling the group’s intent to disrupt national economic assets.
In a statement signed by the Operations Commander of L.A.N.D. & B — whose identity was withheld— the group declared the attacks as the opening salvo in a campaign aimed at expelling what they described as “usurpers of the people’s legitimate authority” from Rivers State.
We call upon all armed groups in Rivers State not to allow this affront pass without a fitting consequence,” the statement read, referring to the recent federal political intervention in the state.
“Follow-up statements and responses to enquires if any will be issued by M.E.N.D.”
Political Background and Rising Tensions
The attacks come in the wake of growing unrest in Rivers State following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in March.
The emergency rule was swiftly followed by the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state house of assembly.
The federal action, which the presidency justified on the grounds of “threats to democratic stability and governance,” sparked outrage among Fubara’s supporters and stoked fears of renewed militancy in the Niger Delta.
The federal government’s intervention, framed as a measure to restore order, has instead reignited militancy in the Niger Delta, where armed groups have long exploited political unrest to justify attacks on oil infrastructure.
Critics of the suspension argue that it undermined the will of Rivers State voters and set a dangerous precedent for federal overreach.
Civil society organisations and local leaders had warned of possible violent reprisals, particularly from elements with historical ties to the militant struggles of the early 2000s.
The resurgence of militant activity poses a significant threat not only to security in Rivers State but to Nigeria’s fragile oil-dependent economy.
The destroyed Agip trunk line is a vital conduit for crude transportation, and any prolonged disruption could impact exports and government revenue..
There has been no official response from the Nigerian military or the presidency yet.
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