The Joint Military Force deployed to the Niger Delta to protect oil infrastructure on Wednesday confirmed an explosion at an oil field operated by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) in Delta State.

The attack on the crude oil export line by armed militants came barely 24 hours after a meeting between the Federal Government and Niger Delta leaders was convened to end hostilities in the region. The attack, believed to be the handiwork of Niger Delta militants, has effectively crippled oil production as it was said to have breached a crude export line that was commissioned on Monday.

Lt. Col. Olaolu Daudu, Spokesman of the joint force codenamed Operation Delta Safe who confirmed the development in Yenagoa on Wednesday, said investigations had commenced.

He said that troops deployed to the area on Wednesday heard an explosion at the Bantan flow station run by NPDC, a subsidiary of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

His words: “Troops of Operation Delta Safe located at Sector 1, in Delta State while on routine patrol heard an explosive sound caused by suspected economic saboteurs at Batan flow station around Ekweregbene, Bantan general area.

“The incidence is however, being investigated and details will be made available as events unfold.

“Also troops of Forward Operation Base deployed at Bonny in Rivers State while on anti-crude oil theft/illegal bunkering patrol, discovered two illegal refinery sites along Ogbunku Creek and recovered three 40 Horse Power outboard engines and three pumping machines.”

•Photo shows Niger Delta militants.

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