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Niger Delta

JTF Frees Kidnap Victim, Arrests Two Oil Thieves

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The Joint Task Force (JTF)
in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, says it has  rescued a kidnap victim and arrested two suspected oil thieves within the last 10 days.
The task force, in a statement issued in Yenagoa by Lt.-Col. Isa Ado, said it had also recovered arms from the suspects and destroyed two illegal refinery sites during the multiple operation.
“ Troops of the JTF have rescued Mr Julius Omeregie who was kidnapped by gunmen at Okhuaihie community in Uhumwode Local Government Area of Edo.
“The victim and his family of five were abducted in his Honda CRV Jeep but the kidnappers later abandoned the vehicle with the family members before whisking the victim away.
“On getting the information, troops of the JTF in conjunction with the Nigerian Police and the local vigilante, combed the area and rescued the victim.
“One of the kidnappers was killed during a shootout between the troops and the kidnappers.
“ A pump action gun with 10 rounds of cartridges was recovered while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the statement said.
It said that in another operation, two suspected oil thieves were also arrested at Oreerokpe community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta while conveying illegally refined diesel in a Volkswagen Jetta car marked Delta AM 306 JRT.
It said the suspects reportedly confessed to have carried out oil bunkering around Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) waterside in Warri South Local Governmemnt Area of Delta.
“The vehicle and the products were moved to a safe place and destroyed while the suspects are in custody of the JTF for preliminary investigation before they are handed over to the police for prosecution.
“Also, the JTF troops in collaboration with the Department of State Security (DSS) destroyed two illegal oil refining camps around Akasa 06 and 103 Cawton Channel 2 in Rivers,” Ado said.
The JTF spokesman said that the task force had recovered more arms following the arrest of some suspected pirates that attacked the JTF patrol troops on Jan. 8, 2015.
“This is the aftermath of a cordon-and-search operation conducted by the 146 Battalion of the task force.
“During the operation, one AK 47 rifle with registration number 02430 and Butt number 897 were recovered together with two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition each.
“Also recovered are parts of two AK rifles with 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

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Niger Delta

Edo Chief Judge Seeks Collaboration Against Corruption

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The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has called on all court users to collaborate with the state judiciary in its fight against corruption.
Okungbowa made the call on Friday during a special court session held in Benin to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
He commended the “Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation” for its continued support of the judiciary’s efforts to rid the system of corruption.
The opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on the achievements of the past legal year and to outline goals for the year ahead.
According to the Chief Judge, key focus areas in the previous year included capacity building, administration of criminal justice, and staff welfare.
As the new legal year begins, Okungbowa emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
In recognition of exemplary service, ten members of the state judiciary received the Chief Judge’s Award for being outstanding ambassadors of the institution.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Mr. Idemudia Osifo, urged the Edo State judiciary to continue upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.
Osifo praised the judiciary for its industry, resilience, and steadfastness under the leadership of the Chief Judge, and also highlighted several persistent challenges.
He noted that many courts in Edo State still operated in dilapidated conditions and lacked modern facilities needed for effective justice delivery.
He lamented the prolonged duration of many court cases, which continued to erode public confidence in the system, and stressed the urgent need to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and support staff.
“The safety of judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses must be ensured”, he said.
The NBA urged the judiciary to invest in ICT infrastructure to enhance justice delivery, reduce delays, and increase transparency.
It also pledged its commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the sanctity of the legal profession.
As the new legal year begins, the association urged the judiciary to uphold the noble ideals of justice, fairness, and independence.

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Niger Delta

Oborevwori Felicitates Asagba Of Asaba, On First Coronation Anniversary

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on the occasion of his first year coronation anniversary.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori lauded the monarch’s dedication to peace, unity, and the cultural advancement of Asaba.
He described Obi Azinge as a revered traditional ruler and academic whose leadership over the past year has brought renewed pride to the Asaba Kingdom and inspired confidence in traditional institutions across the State.
Oborevwori said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Your Majesty, Obi, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, the Asagba of Asaba, on the joyous celebration of your first coronation anniversary.
“Your reign has already demonstrated a deep commitment to the values of peace, inclusiveness, and development.
“As an accomplished academic and respected traditional ruler, you have brought honour not only to the Asaba Kingdom, but also to the entire Delta State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s support for traditional institutions and assured the Asagba of continued partnership in advancing the interests of the Asaba people.
He wished the monarch long life, wisdom, and a peaceful and prosperous reign.
Obi Prof. Azinge ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba in 2024, succeeding the late Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, and has since been recognised for his efforts in promoting cultural heritage, peace and community development.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

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Niger Delta

A’Ibom Inaugurates Nigeria Solar For Health Project

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The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the Nigeria Solar for Health Project (NISHP) to tackle the challenges of epileptic power supply to the health sector.
The State Governor, Umo Eno, stated this in his keynote address during the state launch on Friday in Uyo, saying that the project would be in collaboration with the EU.
According to the Governor, the project is to strengthen the state’s vision of universal, reliable and sustainable energy access for all communities, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Enyaenyi, stated that Akwa Ibom State has taken bold steps to domesticate the Electricity Act 2023 through its own Electricity Policy (2024) and Electricity Law (2024).
He said those two instruments mark a turning point in its journey toward a fully-fledged Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market (AKSEM), one that is state-led, private-sector-driven.
According to him, it will be inclusive in all ramifications and acutely focused on developing and sustaining the all-important off-grid sub-sector of the State Electricity Market.
“Electricity is not just a commodity, it is the foundation of healthcare, education, security, and prosperity.
“By establishing a credible electricity market and regulatory framework, we are creating a platform where on-grid and off-grid solutions can coexist, complementing each other to deliver reliable power to all sectors, including our hospitals and health centres”, Eno said.
The Governor further said the project would provide clean, reliable solar energy to healthcare facilities across the state; enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
He added that it would reduce dependency on diesel and improve environmental sustainability; create local jobs and build technical capacity in solar maintenance and energy services.
Eno commended the state steering committee for taking up the important responsibility.
He said the committee, drawn from both the Ministries of Power and Health, would serve as the vital bridge between policy, implementation and progressive community outcomes.
“Let me assure our development partners, the EU, NTU International, and the REA, that the Akwa Ibom State Government will provide all necessary supports to ensure that this project becomes a model for sustainable energy access in healthcare, not just in our State but across Nigeria.
“This launch is more than a ceremony, it is a statement of intent”, he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Robson Iniobong, said electricity is the very thing that guarantees and announces the functionality of every other sector.
Iniobong stated that the Governor had prioritised his interest in power and health sectors to provide quality services to the people.
In his remarks, Mr. Tinyan Ogiehor, Senior Stakeholders Engagement Manager of NISHP, said the project would establish solar mini-grids at approximately 19 Public Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Ogiehor added that the solar project would also reach the state central cold store, with a view to positively impacting healthcare delivery and boosting economic activities.
“Beyond powering the PHCs, this project will enhance the operations of about 75 small businesses located within these facilities”, he said.

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