Operations on the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, have resumed following repairs after a recent explosion.
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 that posed no danger.
Meanwhile, security operatives have arrested a suspect linked to the TNP blast. According to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, intelligence gathered led to the arrest. A PINL operations staff member, identified as Ebikeme, confirmed the development.
“On Sunday, March 16, 2025, a blast occurred on the TNP Right of Way in Aluu Zone 5. A suspected vandal was found dead at the site due to the explosion,” he said.
He added that further investigations resulted in another suspect’s arrest, who is now in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others involved.
Similar explosions were recorded on Monday night and Tuesday morning in Bodo and at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
Following the incidents, crude oil supply to the TNP was rerouted through an alternative pipeline after passing an integrity test.
A spokesperson for Renaissance Group, which operates the pipeline, suggested arson as a possible cause.
The TNP, a key export pipeline with a capacity of about 450,000 barrels per day, is now managed by the Renaissance Group, a consortium of Nigerian and international oil firms, after Shell’s local subsidiary divested its interest.
Confirming the pipeline’s restored operation, Renaissance Group’s spokesperson, Tony Okonedo, said, “We previously suspended operations due to third-party interference, but we have now resumed.”
In response to speculation about an explosion at the Port Harcourt refinery, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the incident was a controlled flare.
“There was no explosion, danger, or health risk to refinery staff, nearby communities, or the environment,” Soneye said, urging the public to disregard any misinformation.
The TNP explosion has also disrupted power supply in Abia State.
Geometric Power Aba Limited, an indigenous electricity company, confirmed that the blast affected gas supply to its power plant, impacting electricity distribution within its service area.
“We are in close contact with GPAL and other stakeholders, actively monitoring the situation. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” a company spokesperson stated.
To mitigate the impact, GPAL said it would continue supplying power through grid imports from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company until normal operations are restored.
