Militant Group Threatens Oil Installations Amid Political Crisis in Rivers State

Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule

Tensions in Rivers State have escalated as the militant group Niger Delta Rescue Movement issued threats to attack oil installations in response to the ongoing political crisis and the alleged withholding of the state’s federal allocation. The group also warned non-indigenes to leave the state for their safety, claiming that hostilities were imminent.

In response, the Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security, warning that no group has a monopoly on violence. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju assured residents that law enforcement agencies were prepared to counter any threats, emphasizing that any attempt to destabilize the state would not be tolerated.

The crisis stems from recent Supreme Court rulings affirming the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly while nullifying the local government elections held in October 2024. Additionally, the court ordered the state’s governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to resubmit the 2025 budget to the Assembly. Since then, the Assembly has increased pressure on the governor, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the budget submission and later nullifying appointments of commissioners and other officials.

A viral video circulating on social media shows armed militants chanting war songs and threatening to disrupt oil production unless the federal government intervenes. The group accused the Assembly of instigating chaos to justify a state of emergency. A representative in the video stated that the group would not allow Rivers State to be dragged into further crisis and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

"If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take decisive action, including hitting oil production," the spokesperson declared. The militants also urged non-indigenes to consider leaving the state due to the risk of escalation.

Reacting to the threats, Rivers State APC spokesperson Chibike Ikenga stated that the Nigerian government had the capacity to contain any security threats. He dismissed the militant group’s claims as unnecessary, pointing out that Governor Fubara had already pledged to abide by the Supreme Court's rulings.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Information and Communications Joseph Johnson stated that the government would issue an official response. He declined to comment on the militant video, saying the identities of those involved were unclear.

Additionally, National Rescue Movement governorship candidate Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich distanced himself from the militant threats, clarifying that neither he nor his party had any ties to the group.