A militant group in the Niger Delta has claimed responsibility for damaging Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) pipelines in Delta State.
The group, Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM), also known as the “MOVEMENT,” announced it carried out the attack early Friday morning, November 22, 2024.
The incident, described as a major act of economic sabotage, targeted pipelines along the Olero-Dibi-Abiteye flow stations.
The pipelines, ranging from six to ten inches in diameter, are said to transport crude oil and natural gas.
NDLM claims the attack is the official launch of their new operation, codenamed Operation CHEVRON DRAGNET.
The group’s secretary, Emmanuel Tagbanaraewumi, issued a press statement confirming the attack and threatening more severe actions against Chevron’s facilities.
“We Promise a Shocker”
In the statement, the group accused Chevron of ignoring the demands of host communities in the Itsekiri region.
“These multiple blasts are just the start of Operation CHEVRON DRAGNET,” Tagbanaraewumi said.
He warned that NDLM would continue its attacks until Chevron addressed their grievances.
“We vow to hit all facilities used for crude oil exploration activities in the Warri area. This is just the beginning,” he added.
Demands of the Host Communities
NDLM alleges that Chevron has neglected its obligations to local communities, particularly regarding job opportunities.
The group claims Chevron has failed to meet employment quotas for the Itsekiri people in its recruitment processes.
They also cited the non-conversion of workers under Chevron’s training programs, such as VTP5/OTP2 and VTP6, as a key point of contention.
According to the militants, repeated calls for Chevron to implement the Local Content Law and allocate jobs to the Itsekiri have been ignored.
“This operation has become unavoidable because Chevron refuses to listen to its host communities,” the statement read.
This is not the first time NDLM has targeted oil facilities in the Warri area.
The group claims responsibility for several attacks since July 2023, including the Dibi to Olero Gas Line explosion on June 18, 2024.
NDLM says these actions are aimed at forcing Chevron and the Nigerian government to prioritize the demands of local communities.
“Through the disruption of oil exploration activities, we pledge to communicate with Chevron in their language,” the group declared.
They warned there would be no ultimatums or timelines for their future operations.
Chevron Yet to Respond
As of the time of reporting, Chevron Nigeria Limited has not confirmed or commented on the alleged pipeline sabotage.
Security experts warn that such incidents could disrupt oil production and further strain Nigeria’s economy.
The attacks come at a time when Nigeria is working to increase its crude oil output to meet global demands.
Community leaders in the Niger Delta have described the attack as a desperate move to draw attention to long-standing grievances.
“People here have been asking for fair treatment for years,” said an Itsekiri elder who preferred anonymity.
“They want jobs, infrastructure, and respect for the Local Content Law. These attacks may be wrong, but they are born out of frustration.”
Rising Tensions in the Delta
The Niger Delta has been a hotspot for militancy and oil-related conflicts for decades.
Militant groups often accuse oil companies of exploiting the region’s resources while neglecting its development.
Experts warn that the resurgence of militant activities like this could destabilize the fragile peace in the region.
“The government must act swiftly to address these concerns before the situation escalates further,” said Dr. Francis Eke, a conflict resolution specialist.
With NDLM vowing to intensify its operations, the Niger Delta could be heading toward another wave of unrest.
