Some unidentified gunmen have attacked soldiers said to be guarding the major Niger-Benin oil pipeline, resulting in the death of six of the soldiers.
Three security sources confirmed the attack, which took place between the villages of Salkam and Tibiri in Niger’s southeastern Dosso region.
According to Oilprice.com, the assault was targeted at a patrol unit assigned to protect the pipeline.
Despite the violence, the pipeline itself sustained no damage, according to one source.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
However, the region is known for the presence of militant groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, raising concerns about the potential involvement of these groups.
This marks the first attack on security forces tasked with safeguarding the pipeline. This has highlighted the escalating risks in the area, including risk to oil infrastructure.
The Niger-Benin pipeline is designed to transport crude oil from Niger’s Agadem field to the Port of Seme in Benin; it covers approximately 2,000 kilometres.
The pipeline represents a crucial economic development for Niger, providing a reliable export route that can boost its oil revenue.
Niger’s oil industry, relatively nascent, began significant production in 2011 with the development of the Agadem oil field by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
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