The Federal Government has deployed 10,000 operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to Rivers State in response to the recent surge in attacks on oil installations.
This move follows multiple explosions targeting oil pipelines in the state and the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.
The NSCDC’s spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, emphasizing the operatives’ mandate to protect critical infrastructure, especially in the Niger Delta.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta. Over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property,” Babawale stated.
The security deployment comes amid growing tensions in the state following Tinubu’s controversial decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state’s House of Assembly members.
In their place, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the state’s sole administrator for an initial period of six months.
Backdrop of the Crisis
Before the declaration of emergency rule, Rivers State had been embroiled in political turmoil, particularly between Governor Fubara and factions loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis escalated after lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule listed 19 allegations of misconduct against Fubara, setting the stage for his impeachment.
Tensions escalated further when Ijaw groups threatened to disrupt oil production if the governor was removed. Within two days, three explosions were recorded at oil facilities in the state, the most prominent occurring at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Sunday.
Security operatives recovered a body at the scene, while one suspect was arrested following an investigation by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited.
Federal Government’s Response
In response to the security threats, the NSCDC has placed its commands nationwide on high alert. Babawale reaffirmed the corps’ mandate in protecting national assets. “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure,” he stated. “We are working in collaboration with other sister security agencies to prevent acts of economic sabotage.”
Additionally, more soldiers have been deployed to the Government House in Port Harcourt. On Wednesday, eyewitnesses reported the presence of at least three Armoured Personnel Carriers at the entrance of the building.
An aide to Fubara, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that soldiers were taking over the premises. “This afternoon, over 15 soldiers arrived. They are believed to be an advance team of the Sole Administrator,” the aide said.
Fubara’s whereabouts remain uncertain, though speculations suggest he may have retreated to his private residence or his hometown in Opobo.
Opposition and Public Outcry
The declaration of emergency rule has sparked widespread criticism from opposition lawmakers, civil society groups, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Many argue that the President’s decision undermines democracy and violates constitutional provisions.
The National Assembly has scheduled a debate today on the legality of the emergency rule. On Wednesday, tensions ran high in the House of Representatives, with lawmakers exchanging heated words over the issue. Notably, Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers) and Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) engaged in a verbal altercation over the President’s decision.
Akin Rotimi, the House spokesman, confirmed that Tinubu had sent a formal letter to the National Assembly regarding the crisis, but the letter was not read during Wednesday’s plenary session. The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, deferred discussions to today.
Deputy House spokesman, Phillip Agbese (APC, Benue), stated, “The letter from the President has not been debated, and the parliament has not taken any decision. For now, it remains what Nigerians have seen on the pages of newspapers.”
Under the constitution, at least 73 senators and 240 House members must vote in favor of the emergency rule for it to be upheld. The outcome of today’s debate will determine whether the President’s decision remains legally binding.
Ibas Assumes Office
Despite the controversy, Tinubu proceeded with the swearing-in of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as Rivers State’s Sole Administrator on Wednesday.
The ceremony, held at the Aso Rock Villa, was attended by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Ibas, who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, pledged to prioritize peace and stability in Rivers State. “Our objective is to restore peace, security, and stability to Rivers State. I call on all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure that we move forward as a people,” he said.
As the political crisis in Rivers State deepens, stakeholders continue to question the legality and necessity of the emergency rule.
With the National Assembly set to debate the issue today, the coming days will be critical in determining the state’s political future.
Meanwhile, the increased military presence in Port Harcourt highlights the gravity of the situation, as security forces work to prevent further unrest and safeguard vital infrastructure.
Observers warn that the handling of this crisis could set a precedent for federal interventions in state governance, making the National Assembly’s decision one of national significance.
