News
Military Destroys 52 Illegal Refineries …Crushes Kidnappers’ Camp, Rescues Victim
As part of ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile’, troops of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, during raids, cordon and search operations, have discovered and destroyed 52 illegal refineries and refinery cooking pots in Krakrama, Bille and Betterland communities Degema Local Government Area in Kalabari Kingdom, Rivers State.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, announced this yesterday in a statement.
He said, “The troops discovered six refining cooking pots at Betterland community, which unfortunately could not be destroyed instantly because of proximity to the community. They also recovered two high-powered engine boats, 10 empty drums and one pumping machine. Plans for destroying the illegal refinery with Swamp Buggy is in progress,” he said.
Similarly the military said that troops of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, involved in the ongoing ‘Crocodile Smile’ operation in the Niger Delta region, Saturday raided a notorious kidnappers’ camp at Obiozumini near Obite, in Ogbema/Ndoni/Egbema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The troops, who were earlier ambushed, engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, and eventually subdued them and rescued one kidnap victim held hostage in their den.
A statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said the ongoing operation would be sustained until criminality was subdued in the region.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the District Head of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Obele in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Sylvanus Ogbu.
A reliable source said that the kidnappers broke into the house of the clergyman at about 2am, yesterday, and took him to an unknown destination.
The source said the abductors are yet to make contact with the church.
The source confirmed that Pastor Sylvanus Ogbu hails from Akwukabi community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state.
As at press time last night, no official confirmation of the incident has been received from the police.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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