Category: Defence/Security

Oil theft: NSCDC destroys illegal refinery, arrests 3 in Rivers

Refinery

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says it has arrested three suspects at an illegal oil refinery in Rivers.

This is contained in a statement by Babawale Afolabi, the corps spokesperson on Monday in Abuja.

Afolabi said that the illegal bunkering activities site was located at Nembe/Odagwa Creek in Etche LGA of the state.

He explained that a large dug-out reservoir constructed and padded with tarpaulin which could contain 100,000 litres of illegally refined crude oil was uncovered at the site.

He also said that the alleged suspects were currently assisting with all necessary information and would be charged to court after thorough investigation.

”Upon sighting our operatives some of the suspects abandoned the illegal bunkering site and took to their heels manoeuvring through the creek,” he said.

He commended some citizens who had constantly provided information to the corps and encourage them not to relent in giving actionable Intelligence that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

”Our commitment to rid the nation of all acts of economic sabotage in the oil region remains firm and we will not be deterred.

”We advice those engaging in such unscrupulous business to repent or face the full wrath of the law,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KAYC/DCO/EAL

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Ekemini Ladejobi

Troops foil kidnap attempt in Delta, rescue passengers

Rescue

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Troops of the Nigerian Army, successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt by suspected terrorist group on the  46 Km Ughelli-Patani Road in Delta on Sunday.

A post on its official X Handle on Sunday, the Nigerian army said its troops’ swift response to a distress call resulted in the rescue of passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling in a commercial bus.

It said the troops upon receiving the distress call, rapidly mobilised and confronted the terrorists, who were armed with assorted weapons.

According to the post, a fierce firefight ensued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the scene.

“The rescued passengers have been taken into safe custody, where they are receiving necessary care and support.

“Meanwhile, the troops are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

NAF airstrikes destroy illegal oil refining sites in Imo

Airstrikes

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said that the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed two Illegal Refining Sites (IRS) situated along the banks of Imo River.

NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the operation was carried out on Saturday.

Gabkwet said the strike was conducted barely hours after the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had discussions with Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on plans to set up a NAF Base in the state.

He said the illegal sites were located near Obiaku and in close proximity to the Imo-Abia-Rivers borders.

According to him, the sites consist of two tanks and a reservoir in one location and three tanks and two reservoirs in another location along the Imo Riverbank.

“Observing that these sites were active, authorisation was sought and received for air strikes on the targets.

“Subsequently, air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe were conducted, which destroyed the 2 sites as well as the surface tanks and reservoirs.

“Building on these successes, air operations under Operation Delta Safe, will be intensified, especially within the areas of interest, as part of efforts to curtail the activities of criminal elements.

“The successes recorded in destroying these IRS bring to fore the necessity of a NAF Base in Abia, which Gov. Otti and Air Marshal Abubakar both agreed was long overdue,” he said.

Gabkwet said that NAF’s continued efforts in all ongoing operations underscored its commitment to maintaining aerial dominance over the Nigerian skies, while collaborating with surface forces towards the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OYS/KOO/AMM

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

Championship

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The First Edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Democracy Day Basketball Championship has kicked off on Sunday in Abuja with 14 teams.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 14 teams are from the military, paramilitary and civil organisations participating.

NAN reports that the event will feature more than 270 players while the grand finale will take place on June 12.

Declaring the event opened, the Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, said the event marked an important milestone in celebrating the spirit of athleticism and camaraderie within the armed forces, security services and civil organisations.

The CDS said that the championship would also showcase vibrant youth from 10 male and four female teams while featuring 40 veteran basketballers from across the country.

He said the objective was to promote Civil-Military Cooperation and Inter Agency collaboration, and also aimed at engaging the Nigerian Youth positively in furtherance to military’s non-kinetic approach to improving security throughout the country.

“By organising this competition, it is my hope that Basketballers from the military, paramilitary and the civil society including our veterans would continue to maintain a high level of mental alertness and physical fitness.

“The timing of the competition is not only apt but also key to building stronger bonds that resonates across the military and other parastatals of government,” he said.

The defence chief appreciated the teams, players, coaches, and organisers for their dedication in making the championship a reality.

He said that their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship had exemplified the values they hold dear in the nation.

He, therefore, urged the participants to embody those values both on and off the court, inspiring others with courage and determination.

Musa also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support to the growth and development of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Let this championship be a platform for building lasting friendships, fostering healthy competition, and showcasing the immense talent within our ranks,” he said.

The Chairman, Organising Committee of the Championship, retired Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the Basketball Championship was also aimed at engaging the youth positively in continuance with the non-kinetic approach, to improving security in the country.

Abdullahi said the championship would take place in two venues namely Monaliza Sports and Recreation Centre at Area 11 and at the Old Parade Ground.

“To the participating teams, I encourage you all to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie in an effort to put in optimal performance toward the championship.

“For the officiating official, you are to be fair and professional in your tasks while officiating the event to ensure acceptable results,” Abdullahi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/MAM/AMM

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Niger Delta: CSOs back NASS resolution to halt divestment by IOCs

IOCs

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations have aligned with the resolution passed by the House of Representatives to halt ongoing divestment of oil and gas assets by multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta.

The coalition made its position known at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

The coalition was led by Botti Isaac of Social Action Integrated Centre (Social Action), Nigeria; Dr Prince Ekpere of OLESH Centre for Community Development; Arigbabu Sulaiman of HEDA Resource Centre and Dr Barrister Uko Etuk of Policy Alert.

Others are Shehu Akowe of Health of Mother Earth Foundation; Prince Ayanfe Akintola of Legislative Media and Citizens Advocacy Initiative (LeMCAI).

They said that their position was made known when they met with Executive Secretary of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Kayode Komolafe, in Abuja.

Speaking on the resolution, Isaac expressed worry over the rationale behind Federal Government’s plan to hurriedly approve the IOCs’ divestment plans without proper assessment.

Isaac said the coalition was worried at the pace that Federal Government was taking to grant these approvals.

”You would recall that Federal Government has set this June as deadline for granting the divestment approvals to all these oil companies.

“But we are worried that in spite of the cries and complains of Nigerians the Federal Government is interested in completing the transactions not minding the implications on the people.

“So, we are saying that the Federal Government should slow down that pace, carry out comprehensive audit and investigation around the divestment process,” he said.

Isaac also urged the Federal Government through NURPC to put necessary measures in place to ensure that the process transparent, accountable and in compliance with international best practices.

These, according to him, are some of the demands that government should put a halt to the divestment to ensure the right thing is done.

He said it would enable any of the oil companies that had applied for divestment through divestment application to make sure they comply with the standards and the requirements that government had put in place for them to divest.

According to him, government should not be in haste to grant the approval but rather listen to the voice of wisdom.

“The National Assembly has asked them to suspend the process, they should suspend the process and ensure the right thing is done before going ahead with the approval,” he added.

On his part, Dr Prince Ekpere affirmed that companies operating in the country had the right to re-order or divest investments, but alleged that the funds to be used by the Consortium which intends to acquire SPDC assets would be provided by Shell.

Ekpere called for proactive steps to hold the IOCs accountable for their historical activities in the oil producing region.

He added that the assessment report conducted by Bayelsa State Government indicated that the sum of 12 billion dollars, would be required to clear the environmental degradation in the state.

“These are some of the reasons why most likely these oil companies are divesting from the Niger Delta. They want to evade the long historical liabilities they’ve caused thjbhe the Niger Delta,” he said.

In her remarks, Cecilia Ogwuchie, Legal/Programme Officer for HEDA Resource Centre, explained that one of their concerns was the Environmental Liability and Cleanup.

Ogwuchie said the divestment had raised critical questions about responsibility for past and ongoing environmental damages due to oil pollution.m

According to her, with assets changing hands, there is concern about the commitment of new local owners to address legacy pollution issues and invest in necessary cleanup and remediation efforts for the past and recent liabilities.

She lamented that contentious award of cleanup contracts and oil spill management had often intensified tensions, underscoring the necessity for equitable and transparent divestment.

She harped on the need to ensure effective regulatory oversight and legal clarity.

She added that “minimal involvement of regulatory bodies in supervising previous asset transactions and ensuring the addressing of environmental liabilities raises alarms about the efficacy of existing frameworks to safeguard community rights and ecological integrity amidst divestments.

“We are a delegation representing Nigerian civil society organizations and community groups working to promote the best interest of Nigerian citizens, their natural environment and livelihoods in the context of oil and gas extraction and energy access in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

“We have collected over 1000 signatures from community leaders of the Niger Delta, national and international organizations, academic scholars and concerned individuals.”

According to her, they are all calling on the Federal Government to address the critical issue of Shell’s divestment from The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

“This proposed divestment, which entails Shell’s withdrawal from its Nigerian onshore operations by transferring its interests to a consortium comprising various Nigerian and international energy entities—demands an immediate halt to enable scrutiny given the historical and ongoing challenges in the Niger Delta region.

“We acknowledge and applaud the recent resolution of the House of Representatives directing the NUPRC to withhold consent for all international oil companies intending to sell off assets in the Niger Delta region.

“We are expecting that NUPRC will respect the views of the National Assembly and the Nigerian people, especially the members of the communities in the sites of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta, and halt approval of all divestment requests.

“Our delegation is here to offer our partnership towards ensuring that no divestment proceeds without clear commitments to environmental remediation, community compensation, Payment and Escrow of Host Community Fund, participatory and implementable decarbonization plan, and the establishment of robust regulatory oversight,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Drugs

By Ibironke Ariyo

Abuja, June 9, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a 32-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Mummuni, with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.250kg Cannabis Sativa(Indian Hemp).

A statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja stated that the suspect was nabbed along  the Lalgo-Birnin Kebbi road, Kebbi on Saturday,  June 8.

Babafemi said the consignment was concealed in four pesticide tanks, adding that operatives in Gombe, same day, arrested one Ibrahim Abubakar at Herwagana.

He said that Abubakar was arrested with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.

Meanwhile, not less than 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a suspect, Onyekachi Iwula, 42, following his arrest in a commercial bus at Aloma junction, Otukpa, Ogbadibo LocalGovernment, in Benue.

Also, in Bauchi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday, June 5,  arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa that weighed 28.2kg.

“Their counterparts in Yobe nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along the Kano-Potiskum road, with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in a black sack and the suspect’s travelling bag,” he said.

In Oyo State, 57-year-old Oladimeji Samson was arrested in a commercial bus at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 79 blocks of cannabis sativa, he said.

Babafemi said the drugs weighed 44.4kg and 48 grams of ecstasy, adding that they were all concealed in the engine compartment under the driver’s seat of the bus.

In the same vein, not less than 17,980 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from a suspect, Ali Mohammed, 36, following his arrest at Ganaja village, Lokoja, the Kogi capital.

Babafemi said the duo of Blessing Samuel, 35, and Unnanchi Mike, 34, were arrested with 804 bottles of codeine syrup at Narayi, Kaduna state.

Also in Kaduna, Tijjani Umar, 37, and Yahaya Suleman, 35, were arrested with 33.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Lafiya area, Kudan Local Government Area of the state, he said.

Babafemi further said that at least nine suspects, including Salisu Sanda, 48, and James Andrew, 25, were arrested by NDLEA operatives during a raid on Toaabora hills in the Federal Capital Territory.

“They were arrested on Saturday, 8th June, with a total of 83.01kg cannabis recovered from them,” he said. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

ICA/CHOM/ETS

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NSCDC trains hunters on operational, leadership skills

Training

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , (NSCDC), has trained no fewer than 300 key officers of the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), on Operational, Leadership Skills and Organisational Management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the participants of the 4-Days Capacity Workshop were drawn from the ranks of Assistant Commanders,  Commanders, Assistant Commanders General, (ACG) and Deputy Commander General (DCG).

The training is being conducted at NSCDC Headquarters in Sauka Abuja.

In his remarks, the Commander General (CG) of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, said the training workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of NHFSS operatives as being rendered in public service.

Osatimehin said the training would be a continuous one, adding that the move would also go a long way in enhancing the productivity of NHFSS personnel towards strengthening the security of lives and property in forests accross the country.

He reiterated the commitment service to training and retraining of its officers and men.

The CG said that the capacity workshop was also to enable the hunters to contribute to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in the area of security.

“NSCDC has over the years being rendering necessary security training to NHFSS to enable the service be abreast with current strategies on intelligence gathering, security tips, mode of conduct among others in line with the best international security standard.

“This is feared towards safeguarding the country from crimes and criminality most especially in the ungoverned space which the forests nationwide,” he said.

Osatimehin advised the participants to take what they have learnt during the four days Capacity Workshop to their State Commands and Structures by replicating the gains of the training on their junior officers most especially in the 774 Local Government Areas towards realising the objectives.

The Deputy Commander General (DCG), Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, said the training was a train the trainer initiative to enable the senior officers pass same to down to the local level.

Metchie said the organisation was determined to make sure that all its officers from the rank of deputy commanders upwards to were properly trained and well equipped on how to handle issues.

“We want to bring everybody up to standard, to the same level as the civil defense, same level as the police, same level of all our parent bodies in the army and everybody.

“ It is expected that when they go back to their various commands, everybody will be very professional doing their work.

“They will go back and train their own commands so that what they have learnt here, they will pass it down to their different state commands,” he said.

In a paper presentation entitled “Security Threats and Risks” a Commandant at NSCDC,  Mr Vincent Ogu, advised the participants to always be alive to their responsibilities in line with the current trend in security business and operation.

He emphasised the need for beneficiaries of the capacity workshop to reciprocate the gesture through efficiency in their various duty posts.

Other lectures and paper presentation during the Workshop included Dress Code,  Discipline, Security Tips and Identifying Security Threat and Risk among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Anniversary: CSOs urge Radda to intensify efforts to combat banditry

CSOs

By Abbas Bamalli

Katsina, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina State, has called on Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration to redouble efforts to fully combat banditry.

Mr Abdulrahman Abdullahi, the Chairman of the coalition stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Sunday.

According to him, within the last year of the administration, the governor did well in trying to address security challenges.

He cited the establishment of the Community Security Watch and providing them with working tools to tackle banditry.

Abdullahi said, “However, the governor needs to do more in ensuring that bandits are crushed.

”This rainy season should be the litmus test in assessing the return of investment in the area of security promotion.

“The governor should facilitate a sustainable onslaught on the bandits using air and land forces simultaneously.

“He should also motivate the Community Watch through timely payment of their monthly stipends, reward for excellent performance, welfare packages and the provision of more sophisticated working tools.”

Commending the governor for recruiting 7,300 teachers, Abdullahi said in spite of that, schools were still facing challenges in running costs required to function well.

He added that the governor needed to see that schools were given adequate running costs and in good time.

Abdullahi added, “From our findings, schools have not been paid their running costs for the 2nd term and we are now in the 7th week of the 3rd term without the funds again.

“This forces the heads of the schools to incessantly borrow to run their schools affairs.

”On this, we call on the governor to look into this issue and ensure that schools are paid their running costs in good time.”

According to him, to address street begging, hawking, rape and other child-related vices, there is the need for the full implementation of the ‘Child Protection Law’ in the state.

“The performance of Katsina State in the social sector budget for the year 2023 calls for more releases of funds for the sector.

“This will promote social protection and take development down to the doorsteps of the poor,” according to the state Chairman of the CSOs,” Abdullahi said.

According to him, the governor should also be commended for endorsing and establishing a ‘Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Redress Centre’, establishment of an ‘Anti-Corruption Commission and Fiscal Responsibility Commission’.

Malam Kasimu Kabir, a tea vendor, said that the administration was doing well in the area of education, agriculture and insecurity, among others.

He urged, ”But it should also consider the provision of potable drinking water.”

According to another trader, Malam Bilyaminu Sani, in spite of the economic challenges, the government should focus on the well-being of the people, especially through enforcing a ban on grains hoarding.

NAN recalls that Gov. Dikko Radda had recently said that his administration had reduced banditry to about 70 per cent in the last one year.

This, he said,  was sequel to the robust synergy between the local security outfits and the conventional security agencies across the state.

He said, ”It is high time to have state Police included in the fight against insecurity in the country. We have reduced the rate of banditry to about 60 to 70 per cent.

“What we are witnessing now is the crazy approach by the bandits going to hard-to-reach villages close to forests, burning houses and killing people. This is our major challenge at the moment.”

Radda also said that his administration was doing its best towards improving agriculture, education and health among other sectors in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AABS/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Codeine

By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 9, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a consignment of 175,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup imported from India.

Mr Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday.

Babafemi said that the seizure was made on Friday during a joint examination by NDLEA, Customs Service and other security agencies.

He said that the seizure was coming barely a week after the agency seized a shipment of 175,000 bottles of the same substance at the Port Harcourt Port complex in Onne, Rivers state,

Babafemi said that the two seizures followed earlier intelligence which made the agency to request a 100 per cent examination of the shipment.

He also said that the latest seizure of 875 cartons of codeine containing 175,000 bottles was weighing 26,250kg.

In a related development, Babafemio said that officers of NDLEA’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigation on Wednesday June 5 intercepted five different parcels containing illicit drugs.

He said that the drugs were concealed in ladies’ clothes and synthetic hair en route the United States and United Kingdom.

“Some of the seized drugs are 620 ampoules of pentazocine injection, promethazine and other opioids, they were seized at a courier firm in Lagos,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ICA/EBI/AZU

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Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh