NDA claims Bonny pipe attack

Nigerian militant group Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has claimed a fresh assault on a key oil pipeline in the region.

Pipeline attack: claimed by NDA in Nigeria

Eoin O'Cinneide

The group, one of the most active militant groups in the Niger Delta this year, said it attacked the Bonny 48-inch crude export line on Friday evening.

The NDA said in a statement on its website – where it has claimed attacks before – that the assault by its strike team had brought down oil production activities.

The group said it took the action after the Nigerian government acted contrary to the spirit of a ceasefire deal, accusing it of committing “shameful scenes” akin to those seen in Hollywood movies.

“This is only a wake-up call; we may not have any other way to say it better,” the group warned about possible further impending action.

“We will resist all actions undermining the ceasefire from side of the government and its security agents/agencies. We cannot be continuously fooled, the government cannot justify the indiscriminate targeting of Niger Delta youths while glorifying on these victimisation of law-abiding citizens of the region.”

The group did, however, reiterate that it is committed to dialogue with the government. It and other groups in the region have been waging war on the Abuja administration by attacking oil infrastructure, sending Nigerian production down – although it has risen of late.

It was only earlier this month that Anglo-Dutch supermajor Shell lifted a force majeure on Bonny light crude exports that had been in place for around a month after operator Aiteo shut in the Nembe Creek Trunk Line following the discovery of a leak.

Also this month Shell lifted a force majeure on gas supplies to Nigerian LNG (NLNG) after a leak was repaired to the Eastern Gas Gathering System (EGGS-1). Force majeure was declared on gas to NLNG in early August following discovery of the leak. SPDC continued to supply NLNG with gas from other pipelines, however.