The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has resurfaced, claiming responsibility for two separate pipeline attacks in Rivers State. In a statement released on Sunday, the militant group asserted that its forces, operating under the banner of the Liberation Army of the Niger Delta and Bakassi (L.A.N.D. & B), carried out the attacks at approximately 0200 hours, Africa Update reports.
According to the statement, signed by the Operations Commander of L.A.N.D. & B, the first attack targeted the Ogada Brass Agip trunk line, a critical oil pipeline running from Omouku to the Brass Agip terminal. The second attack involved the destruction of a pipeline on the Oron River, located behind the Maritime Academy.
MEND’s statement characterised these attacks as the beginning of a campaign aimed at “driving out of Rivers State usurpers of the people’s legitimate authority.” The group further called upon all armed groups within the state to join their cause, urging them not to “allow this affront pass without a fitting consequence.”
The resurgence of MEND and the subsequent attacks have raised concerns about renewed instability in the Niger Delta region, a key oil-producing area in Nigeria. The attacks pose a potential threat to oil production and could have significant economic repercussions. Authorities have yet to issue an official response.
The full statement reads: “Under the aegis of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (M.E.N.D), forces of the Liberation Army of the Niger Delta and Bakassi (L.A.N.D. & B) attacked and destroyed.
1. Ogada Brass Agip trunk line running from Omouku to Brass Agip terminal 0200hr
2. Oron river back of maritime academy
“The attacks signify the launch of a campaign to drive out of Rivers State usurpers of the people’s legitimate authority.
“We call upon all armed groups in Rivers State not to allow this affront pass without a fitting consequence.
“Follow-up statements and responses to enquires if any will be issued by M.E.N.D.
“Operations Commander, L.A.N.D. & B.”
