Operations have resumed on the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, after repairs were carried out following another blast.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited also dismissed reports of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company clarifying that the incident was a controlled flare and posed no risk.
A suspect was also arrested following intelligence gathered by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited. An operations staff member of PINL, who identified himself as Ebikeme, confirmed the arrest.
“On Sunday, March 16, 2025, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu Zone 5, and a suspected vandal was found dead at the site of the incident from the effect of the blast,” he said.
He added that further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, who is now in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others involved.
Similar explosions were also recorded on Monday night and Tuesday morning in Bodo and an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
Following the blasts, crude oil supply to the TNP was rerouted through an alternative pipeline after passing an integrity test.
According to a spokesperson for Renaissance Group, which operates the pipeline, arson is suspected.
The TNP, with a capacity of around 450,000 barrels per day, is one of Nigeria’s key oil export pipelines.
It is now managed by the Renaissance Group, a consortium of Nigerian and international oil firms, after Shell’s local unit sold its shares.
Renaissance Group’s spokesperson, Tony Okonedo, confirmed that operations had resumed.
“We previously suspended operations to respond to third-party interference, but now we have resumed,” he said.
Earlier reports of a fire outbreak at the Port Harcourt refinery were refuted by NNPCL.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated that the incident was a controlled flare that had been fully contained.
“There was no explosion, danger, or health hazard to refinery staff, surrounding communities, or the environment,” he said.
He urged the public to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise.
The explosion on the TNP has also affected power supply in Abia State.
Geometric Power Aba Limited an indigenous electricity company, confirmed that the incident disrupted gas supply to its power plant, impacting electricity distribution in its franchise area.
“We are in close contact with GPAL and other stakeholders and are actively monitoring the situation. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” a company spokesperson said.
To mitigate the impact, GPAL said it would continue supplying power through grid imports from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company until the situation is resolved.
