Bayelsa State, Nigeria — Armed groups in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on critical oil infrastructure, threatening a return to instability in a region central to the country’s economic lifeline.
Two groups—the Liberation Army of the Niger Delta and Bakassi (L.A.N.D. & B) and the better-known Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)—issued statements on Sunday claiming they jointly targeted a major oil supply line leading to a terminal in Bayelsa State.
The attacks, according to local sources cited by AFP, occurred over the past week and mark one of the most significant escalations in the region in years.
Oil Firm Confirms Attacks
Oando Plc, a Nigerian energy company, confirmed via the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that its pipelines suffered three separate attacks over the course of the week.
While details remain scarce, the damage reportedly disrupted oil flow to terminals in Bayelsa, potentially affecting national crude output and exacerbating Nigeria’s ongoing revenue and security challenges.
Political Context: Emergency Declaration Sparks Backlash
The militant groups claim the attacks were carried out in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move seen by some in the region as an overreach and a precursor to further militarization of the oil-producing areas.
In their statements, the groups framed their actions as “a warning” to federal authorities, warning of further strikes if grievances over political exclusion, environmental degradation, and revenue allocation are not addressed.
A Fragile Peace at Risk
The Niger Delta had seen a relative period of calm in recent years following amnesty programs and dialogue with former militant factions. However, longstanding issues—including poverty, pollution, and perceived marginalization—remain largely unresolved, creating fertile ground for renewed unrest.
The revival of MEND, once at the center of widespread sabotage and oil theft in the 2000s, is particularly alarming for observers. Though the group’s activities had largely subsided, Sunday’s claims suggest that elements of its network remain active or have reconstituted under new alliances.
Implications for Nigeria’s Oil Sector
The resurgence of militant activity threatens Nigeria’s already volatile oil sector, which accounts for over 90% of export revenues. The country has struggled to meet OPEC quotas in recent years due to aging infrastructure, underinvestment, and ongoing oil theft.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement addressing the specific attacks or the claims by L.A.N.D. & B and MEND.
Sources:
- AFP (Agence France-Presse)
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
- Reuters
- Premium Times Nigeria
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