An explosion struck the Trans-Niger Pipeline, a major oil artery in Nigeria, late Monday, causing disruption and prompting an investigation into the cause, authorities said Tuesday.

The blast, which occurred in Rivers State, sent plumes of thick smoke into the sky, visible from miles away, according to local residents. They reported hearing a loud explosion followed by intense heat and flames.

The Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), is a key crude oil transportation pipeline in the Niger Delta  region. 

Spanning approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles), it has the capacity to transport over 450,000 barrels of crude oil per day to export terminals, primarily the Bonny Export Terminal.

Renaissance Group, an oil consortium, confirmed the blast on its Trans Niger pipeline and said it had dispatched a joint investigation team to the site, spokesperson Tony Okonedo told Reuters. 

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two people in connection with the explosion. 

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement reported by TV360 Nigeria that a “thorough investigation to determine the cause” of the explosion, which resulted in a fire, has commenced.

Iringe-Koko said the fire, which broke out in a mangrove area, has been extinguished, preventing further environmental damage.

While the cause of the explosion is under investigation, sources suggest it could be linked to sabotage, vandalism, or equipment failure. 

This explosion is the latest in a series of incidents plaguing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, adding to existing political and economic challenges. Officials have yet to release details on the extent of the damage or the potential impact on oil production.