Davidson Ogbebor

PORT HARCOURT—The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has activated an emergency response following an explosion on a gas pipeline in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, on a gas pipeline owned by NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited.

In a statement confirming the incident, the national oil company expressed concern over reports of injuries and damage to residential buildings and businesses in the affected community.

NNPC Limited said its immediate priorities were to protect lives and prevent further harm, while expressing sympathy with residents and business owners affected by the explosion and their families.

The company said it had initiated an emergency response to the incident, although details of the response measures and the extent of the damage were not provided in the statement.

The explosion has raised concerns over the safety of residents and businesses in the oil and gas-producing area, with further information on the casualties, cause of the incident and possible impact on gas supply yet to be established.

NNPC Limited urged attention to the situation as emergency efforts continued, stressing the need to safeguard lives and minimise further damage.

Further details are expected as the company provides updates on the incident.

Source: NNPC Limited press release.