News sources have reported that a gas pipeline – operated by the Nigerian Gas Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. – has been attacked close to the oil hub of Warri by suspected rebels. The attack comes after months of truce in Nigeria and as the country’s government and Niger Delta leaders are in negotiations.
Spokesperson for Nigeria Gas Company, Violin Antaih, commented: “It has been confirmed, even by the community people, that it was a third-party sabotage.
“If you have a picture of the blast, you will know too well that was exactly what happened because the pipeline was cut into two. A ruptured pipeline will not have such effect,” Antaih added.
Nigeria has been in recession since August last year due to reduced global oil prices and pipeline attacks in the Niger Delta region. The country recently increased its budget for an amnesty programme for militants from the Niger Delta, to US$175 million.
According to one news source, a reduced number of attacks this year has allowed the country’s oil production to recover to 1.7 - 1.8 million bpd of oil.
The Nigerian military is aware of, and is now investigating, the attack.