Fresh Explosion at Soku Oil Facility Sparks Security Fears in Rivers State

Niger Delta on Edge as Third Oil Facility Blast Occurs in a Week

Soku Oil Facility Sparks week after a major explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, another devastating blast has reportedly occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident has heightened fears over oil infrastructure security in the Niger Delta, with concerns growing about the possibility of further attacks. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), a grassroots non-governmental organization, confirmed the explosion, raising alarms about the worsening situation.

In the early hours of Sunday, YEAC-Nigeria received reports from its network of youth volunteers in the area, informing them of the explosion at the Soku facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

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Explosion at Soku Facility: What We Know So Far

A statement issued in Port Harcourt by YEAC’s Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, confirmed the explosion.

“An explosion accompanied by fireballs was heard and seen in the sky from the facility area, which is difficult to access, and the fire was still ongoing at the time of this report.”

The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but speculations suggest possible equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack on the facility.

This marks the third major explosion in Rivers State within a single week, following previous blasts in the Ogoni area and Oga/Egbama/Ndoni Local Government Area.

The frequency of these incidents has raised significant concerns, prompting President Bola Tinubu to reference them in his March 18 nationwide broadcast. In his speech, the President declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the escalating attacks on oil infrastructure as a major security threat.

Calls for Investigation and Accountability

In response to the latest explosion, YEAC-Nigeria has called for an immediate investigation into the Soku oil facility blast.

The group urged the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“Perpetrators of this crime must be identified and prosecuted under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021,” YEAC-Nigeria stated.

The group emphasized that swift action must be taken to prevent further attacks, as continued destruction of oil infrastructure could have devastating economic and environmental consequences.

Militants Reportedly Planning Further Attacks

Meanwhile, security concerns have escalated as new intelligence suggests that militant groups in the Niger Delta have reconvened to plan and coordinate more attacks on oil facilities.

A secret meeting was reportedly held in an undisclosed creek community, just days after President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and imposed a state of emergency on the state.

While details of the meeting remain unclear, sources told Vanguard that militant leaders are seeking full participation from various armed groups in the Niger Delta. The groups are allegedly consulting widely with other regional leaders in preparation for large-scale operations against oil facilities and federal government assets.

Security Chiefs Raise Alarm Over Imminent Threats

The Commandant General of the Riverine Security (Coast-Guard of the Federation), Commander Bibi Oduku, has issued a strong warning about the increasing security risks in the region.

Oduku urged President Tinubu to reconsider the suspension of Governor Fubara, arguing that the decision has further destabilized the Niger Delta and increased tensions.

“I urge President Bola Tinubu to carefully reconsider the suspension of the Rivers State governor due to the rising threats in the Niger Delta. These tensions pose a serious risk to Nigeria’s economy.

Oduku warned that militant groups are now actively planning to attack federal government properties across Niger Delta states. He also cautioned that criminal elements could exploit the situation to cause further chaos, resulting in loss of innocent lives and threats to military personnel deployed for peacekeeping efforts.

Despite these threats, Oduku reassured the public that riverine security officers are on high alert and will work closely with the Nigerian military and other security agencies to apprehend those responsible for attacks.

Security Forces Pledge Support to Maintain Peace

In response to the rising security challenges, Captains Eric Foutoru and ThankGod Oprom, who oversee waterways in Rivers and Delta States, have pledged full cooperation with the Nigerian military to maintain peace and stability in the region.

Their commitment signals a multi-agency approach to addressing security threats, as authorities brace for potential attacks on critical infrastructure.

Niger Delta Elders Call for Peace

As tensions rise, prominent Niger Delta leaders have urged youths in the region to refrain from violence.

Former Presidential Amnesty Head, Brigadier General Paul T. Boroh (retd.), advised against reacting with anger to the political crisis in Rivers State.

“No matter the situation, resorting to violence will only bring destruction and suffering. Dialogue and diplomacy remain the best ways to address grievances,” Boroh stated.

Meanwhile, Oduku also condemned the recent destruction of oil pipelines in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, pledging that security agencies will bring those responsible to justice.

He urged the people of Rivers State and the Niger Delta to embrace peace and allow the rule of law to take its course.

The Way Forward: Security, Stability, and Economic Protection

The recent oil facility explosions and militant activities pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy. Security experts have warned that unless decisive measures are taken to address the root causes of the unrest, the situation could spiral out of control.

Recommended Actions:

1. Strengthen Security in Oil Facilities – The government must deploy advanced surveillance technology and increase military presence around oil infrastructure to prevent future attacks.
2. Address Political Instability – The suspension of Governor Fubara has created further tensions; the Federal Government must ensure that political disputes do not escalate into security crises.
3. Engage with Community Leaders – Meaningful dialogue with traditional rulers, youth groups, and militant leaders could help prevent further violence and ensure lasting peace in the region.
4. Strict Enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) – Security forces must ensure strict penalties for those involved in pipeline vandalism and oil facility attacks.
5. Economic Development and Job Creation – Many of the security challenges in the Niger Delta stem from youth unemployment. Investments in education, skills training, and local industries could help divert attention from criminal activities.

The latest explosion at the Soku oil facility has deepened the security crisis in the Niger Delta, with concerns mounting over militant activities and threats to Nigeria’s economy. As the Federal Government, security agencies, and community leaders work to resolve these tensions, it is crucial that peaceful solutions are prioritized to prevent further destruction.

Ultimately, safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and protecting local communities must remain a top priority to ensure stability, economic prosperity, and long-term peace in the Niger Delta.