Niger Delta

Minister Urges Synergy On Environmental Protection

Published

14 years ago

March 5, 2012

The Minister of Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed, in Calabar on Thursday called for synergy among maritime nations to protect the maritime environment.

Mohammed made the call at the closing ceremony of a joint sea exercise “code-named “OBAGAME EXPRESS 2012”.

The event is a multinational maritime interdiction exercise, designed to update countries in the Gulf of Guinea on the fundamentals of conducting policing operations at sea.

Mohammed, who was represented by the Minister of State, Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, said that Nigeria like any other maritime nation, relied on the sea for economic, commercial and socio-cultural activities.

“It is quite true that no nation can effectively confront these challenges all alone because of their transnational nature.”

Mohammed said the situation called for synergy of efforts among maritime nations to protect their common heritage, the maritime environment.

He said it was in recognition of the fact that the idea must be commended.

According, to him, the exercise will further help to boost ongoing efforts to promote collaboration, cooperation between Economic Community of Central States (ECCAS) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Nigeria will, therefore, continue to support any project that would help to combat the security challenges that are prevalent in our contemporary maritime environment.’’

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ola Ibrahim, said it was common knowledge that the maritime environment was increasingly threatened by security challenges, such as piracy, poaching, smuggling, illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.

Ibrahim explained that the exercise was aimed at assisting West and Central African countries to build capacity to combat the challenges.

“To this end, from participating in the exercise, Nigeria stands to benefit, particularly in the area of combating challenges in our maritime domain, thus paving the way for economic and social–cultural activities to strive.

“I believe the same benefits are applicable to all participating countries.”

Mr Joseph Stafford, the U.S,. Consular-General to Nigeria, said the exercise was very important as it brought together countries of the Gulf of Guinea and the U.S.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.