Niger Delta

Oil Theft: JTF Destroys 36 Petrol Tankers, Six Boats

Published

12 years ago

January 10, 2014

The Nigerian Army in
Calabar, the Cross River State capital has said it destroyed 36 petroleum tankers and six “Cotonou” boats allegedly used for illegal bunkering in Cross River.
The outgoing Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Okwudili Azinta, announced this last Wednesday while presenting a scorecard of his command activities in 2013.
Azinta said that the tankers and boats were destroyed at different locations in the state by members of the Joint Task Force (JTF).
According to him, oil theft in Cross River has reduced while most creeks that are being used to refine stolen petroleum products are now being patrolled by men of the JTF.
“With the combined efforts of the JTF in Cross River, sea robbery and piracy have also been reduced in the waterways of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
“Also, there is no militant camp in Cross River; the Efut Esighi militant and shrine camps in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River have been destroyed by the Nigerian Army.
“All these were made possible by the zero-tolerance to illegal oil bunkering in the state,” he said.
He said that the command under his leadership had trained 40 officers on intelligence information gathering.
“The Army needs appropriate and timely information to strengthen its operational network.
“The Army also needs expertise through training to collate, gather and make information which can be used to arrest crisis before it escalates.
“The idea of the training was nursed from the fact that the military needed such training on warfare in the present 21st century,” he said.
The commander also said that the brigade, under his command, hosted and won the 82 Division Inter-Brigade Proficiency Combat Competition.
Our correspondent reports that the command is executing some projects in the barracks which include the renovation of the old residence of the former governor-general of Southern Nigeria.
Others are single officers’ accommodation, 13 Brigade Urban Communication masts, and a block of 30 flats for soldiers and others.
Azinta advised officers and men of the command to key into his leadership style in building the Nigerian Army worthy of emulation.
Azinta has been transferred to 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin, as the new commander.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.