The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has reported an oil spill from Shell’s underwater pipeline in Obololi, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State.

Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), confirmed the incident, stating that the spill occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

“At approximately 14:10 hours on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a fire broke out on the dry crude storage barge BESTAF5 at Cawthorne Channel 1, Rivers State, spreading to other barges,” Soneye said in a statement on Thursday.

He assured that swift action by emergency teams and industry partners helped contain the fire, preventing any disruption to flow station operations.

“The most significant relief is that there were no casualties, and all personnel are accounted for and safe,” he added.

Soneye reaffirmed NNPC’s commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity.