Niger Delta

Navy Arrests Four Camerounians, Others Near Bayelsa

Published

12 years ago

January 6, 2014

Commander, The Nigerian Navy, NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Commodore Isaac Ogbole, last Saturday said the command had arrested seven persons believed to be oil theft suspects.

Among those arrested were four Camerounians-Elias Mume, Lappa Bamileke, Fabian Lemonmu and Meluis Amah, and three Nigerians – Emeka Igbokwe, Michael John and Egbe Jame.

Commodore Isaac Ogbole told newsmen in Ikot Abasi that the suspects were allegedly caught “red-handed” on December 31, 2013.

“The suspects were nabbed at Agbani area, close to Bakassi Local Government Area, the border between Nigeria and Cameroun,” he explained.

He said that the suspects were intercepted after intelligence reports indicated that they were travelling from Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom to Cameroun in a boat while pretending to be businessmen dealing on provisions.

Ogbole disclosed that the suspects were intercepted with 134 drums of 250 litres each, loaded with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), concealed under some assorted provisions, while heading toward Cameroun.

He listed other items recovered from the suspects to include two Yamaha outboard engines and two oil pumping machines.

“From all indications, it was clear that the men were not only carrying petroleum products. They could have equally smuggled arms and ammunition into the country. “They have made useful statement to my men and told us that their master is somewhere in Cameroun. From what we are seeing, they are perpetual smugglers who come in and out of the country,” he said.

The suspects were promptly handed over to the Akwa Ibom Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC). The state’s NSCDC Commandant, Mr Pedro Ideba, who spoke shortly after receiving the suspects, promised to ensure a thorough investigation toward effective prosecution of the suspects.

Ideba assured Nigerians of the command’s determination to stop oil theft, and described the crime as a huge economic sabotage.

“People come into our country and steal our crude oil to other countries. They will adulterate it and re-sell to our people. This act must stop,’’ he declared.

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.