The Niger Delta Avengers (BDA) have threatened to target ExxonMobil’s staff if it tries to repair its Que Iboe 48-inch Crude Oil Export Pipeline in Akwa Ibom.
The warning came after the firm declared force majeure on shipments of Nigeria’s biggest crude export grade.
The militant group took credit for the operator’s damaged pipeline. However, a Chevron spokesperson denied the claim, saying the damage was due to a “system anomaly”.
NDA spokesman, Mudock Agbinibo, shot back by warning any attempt to repair the pipeline would result in “something big”.
The spokesman said: “We are warning ExxonMobil not to carry out any repair work on the blown pipeline, if they refuse and go ahead with any repair work, something big and worse will happen.
“To the traders/international refineries doing business with them, do not let ExxonMobil deceive you that the repair work will take three to four weeks, with the level of damage. it will take them (ExxonMobil) months to fix it.
“What happened to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) crude oil export pipeline in Forcados is an example to all International Oil Companies, IOCs, no repair works until the federal government heed to our demands.
“If ExxonMobil fails to listen to us (Niger Delta Avengers), your personnel are going to be our next casualties, not pipelines.”
For a Q&A on the attacks click here.