On Sunday, April 13, 2025, two militant groups in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region claimed responsibility for recent attacks on oil facilities. These attacks have intensified concerns over the security of the country’s vital oil infrastructure.
The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), known for their previous attacks on oil installations, and the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) have both asserted involvement in these incidents. The NDA, active since 2016, has a history of targeting oil-producing facilities, leading to significant disruptions in Nigeria’s oil production. The NDGJM, composed mainly of ethnic Urhobos and Isokos, has also carried out numerous attacks on oil infrastructure since its inception in 2016.
These recent attacks have prompted the Nigerian government to impose emergency rule in Rivers State, a key area in the Niger Delta. President Bola Tinubu suspended the state governor and other officials, appointing a retired navy vice-admiral as interim administrator. This move has sparked political controversy, with critics accusing the president of using the emergency declaration as a pretext for a power grab.
The attacks have also affected Nigeria’s oil production, with the Trans Niger Pipeline, responsible for approximately 15% of the country’s crude exports, experiencing disruptions. Operations were fully restored at the pipeline after about a week of disruption.
The Nigerian Police Force has initiated investigations into the pipeline fire incidents, with two individuals taken into custody. The situation remains tense, with concerns over the potential for further attacks and the implications for Nigeria’s economy and political stability
