The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has confirmed that the explosion along the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in Warri, Delta State, has been successfully contained, and host communities are no longer at risk.
In a statement issued on Sunday and shared via its official X handle on Monday by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the national oil company provided an update on the situation following the incident first reported on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Coordinated Containment and Safety Measures
According to the NNPC, swift and coordinated containment measures were executed to ensure the safety of personnel, the environment, and the residents of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
“Coordinated containment measures have been successfully executed, ensuring the safety of host communities, personnel, and the environment,” the statement read. It further noted that “all relevant pipeline sections have been safely and securely isolated.”
Hobnob News had previously reported that the explosion occurred at approximately 5:50 p.m. on December 10, 2025, near the Tebijor, Okpele, and Ikpopo communities. Preliminary checks indicated a sudden pressure drop consistent with a loss of containment on the pipeline.
Joint Inspection and Business Continuity
A joint preliminary inspection has already been carried out at the site of the explosion. The team included technical experts from NNPC Ltd, the Nigeria Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and maintenance contractors.
To mitigate the impact on gas supply, the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), which operates the network, has activated its Business Continuity Plan. This move is aimed at managing the effects on all affected stakeholders, including gas shippers and suppliers.
Stakeholder Engagement and Investigations
The company reiterated its commitment to maintaining open communication with state authorities and host communities, expressing gratitude for their sustained cooperation during the crisis.
While containment has been achieved, investigations into the exact cause of the explosion are still ongoing. The NNPC emphasized that it remains dedicated to environmental protection and the reliability of its operations across all assets.
