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Clean-Up: HYPREP Cautions Against Remediated Sites’ Re-Pollution …As Contractor Recovers 22m Litres Of Crude From Spill Sites
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on the people of Ogoni to desist from activities capable of jeopardising the ongoing remediation of polluted sites in Ogoniland.
The Information Officer of HYPREP, Mr. Kpoobari Nafo, said this during an inspection of remediation sites and water supply projects by members of Oil Watch International.
Nafo stressed that the ongoing activities in the various remediation sites and water supply schemes in Eleme, Tai, Gokana, and Khana Local government areas, were indications that the Federal Government was sincere on the project.
He also advised companies in the oil sector operating in Nigeria and beyond to always maintain international best practices and ensure swift response to oil spills, to avoid unnecessary pollution of land.
“We have taken some non-governmental organisations from across Africa to our remediation sites. And they are very much satisfied with what they have seen.
“Re-pollution, this is also the issue that we have been talking about and we have been sensitising the communities, making them understand that the environment is theirs.
“So, re-polluting the environment is to their detriment. Although they have been giving us corporations and most of the communities have ensured that those who come to re-pollute their areas are no longer finding it as business as usual. We are making headway in terms of sensitisation so that people do not go back to resolute where we have worked.”
Also, leader of the OilWatch delegation, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, had confirmed that remediation activities in Ogoniland were ongoing, while urging HYPREP to expedite action in remediating the complex sites.
Bassey also expressed excitement over the take-off of the water projects.
“Though it should have been one of the first things for HYPREP to have done as an emergency measure, nevertheless we are happy that it is ongoing right now.
“We are also expecting HYPREP to start tackling the complex sites. Unfortunately, even if you clean up the entire Niger Delta in five years, it will take about three lifetimes to have the environment restored back to normal.”
Bassey said even though Goi community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, was not mentioned in the report of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) on the clean-up of the Ogoni environment, there was the need for the Federal Government to come to the rescue of the community.
It would be recalled that the entire people of Goi community fled their homes in 2004 following the pollution of their environment and frequent fire outbreak due to oil spills on the community river.
Speaking with newsmen at Goi shortly after leading Oilwatch members from several African countries to visit some oil spill sites in Ogoniland, Bassey, said members of the community were living as refugees in other communities in the state.
Bassey said the Goi community has been neglected.
“It has been neglected; the UNEP report didn’t mention Goi at all. You can’t hear Goi appearing in the question of cleaning this territory. This is the prime place where all these could have started.
“Goi people are living as refugees because you can’t see buildings here. Buildings here were destroyed by fire, pollution and neglect. You can’t stay here for two hours and remain healthy because the hydrocarbon is very thick in the air we are breathing.
“The Goi community needs attention and the government should not wait any further before adding this. Whether UNEP mentioned it or not, the government cannot shut its eye to this community.”
However, more than 22 million litres of crude oil were recovered from the spill site in Bodo community in GokanaLocal Government Area of Rivers State between 2017 and 2019 as part of ongoing clean-up of the environment.
The clean-up of Bodo oil spill, which occurred in 2008 and 2009, is being carried out by multinational oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) while the Hydrocarbon Protection and Remediation Project (HYPREP) is handling the other spill sites in Ogoniland.
The Project Manager of one of the contractors handling the clean-up exercise, Giolee Environmental Services, Dr Evidence Enoch, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at Patrick Tekuru Waterside, Bodo.
Enoch stated that while 20million litres of crude oil were recovered during the “Boom and Recovery” stage of the clean-up in 2017, over two million litres were recovered during the second stage of the exercise.
He said, “We started this exercise in 2017, and we recovered crude, debris and sand under the Boom and Recovery stage. We recovered up to 20million litres.
“In 2019, under the second stage of the clean-up, we recovered over two million litres of crude oil. This crude was recycled and was re-injected into the system. It was sold as normal crude.”
Similarly, the Ogoni struggle has gained the attention of an international non-governmental organisation based in Turkey, with sympathy to train youths in the area on skills acquisition with specifics on agriculture and other food-based nutrients.
This was disclosed in Abuja by the Senior Adviser to the President of the International Conference of Agriculture and Food (ICAF), Turkey, IdilSaguner, in a brief ceremony organised by its Nigeria’s partner, the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI).
Speaking with Journalists, Saguner said the ICAF was happy to train as many youths in Ogoni land as well as youths from the Niger Delta region, adding that the gesture will help to positively engage youths from the region and end youth restiveness.
Saguner said: “We have studied the Ogoni people with kin interest and it is time for us to contribute our own quota to the development of these youths in other to end youth unemployment in the region”.
On his part, the President of Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI), Dr.Fabeke Douglas, said the partnership became imperative as youths in the region have suffered neglect from the Nigerian government.
Fabeke said despite the huge oil deposit in the region, the people have been grossly abandoned with their land polluted hindering youths to engage in farming, fishing and other activities to earn a living.
He said with the assistance from the Turkish-based ICAF, youths will find a new way of living.
“Travelling to Turkey will help broaden their horizon and change their thinking. We are taking 150 of them abroad as first set and subsequently others will follow.
“We have no support from government, only goodwill from spirited Nigerians kept us going.
“The diversification of our economy, especially the Agricultural Sector and Solid Minerals are viable sectors that must be explored. If government borrows to create industries and new industrial cities that will help our economy and create employment for our citizens, it will be the ideal thing to end insecurity that is ravaging our country.
“We hope that government will complement our effort so as to pacify the Ogoni people and the Niger Delta region in general”, Fabeke said.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.
The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.
In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.
The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.
“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.
“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”
In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.
A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.
“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.
In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.
“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.
In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.
Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.
In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.
In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.
In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.
In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.
In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.
The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.
The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.
News
RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps
The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.
Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.
He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.
“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.
In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.
He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.
He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.
In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.
In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.
Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.
They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.
Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.
Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.
According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.
“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.
Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.
He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.
According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.
“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.
By: John Bibor