Niger Delta

Military To Crush Militancy, Sea Piracy, Soon-COAs

Published

9 years ago

September 16, 2016

The Chief of Army Staff
(COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said that militancy in the creeks of Bakassi and Akpabuyo Local Government Areas of Cross River State would be crushed soon by the military.
Buratai stated this during the launch of “Exercise Crocodile Smile’’ at the jetty of the Amphibious Training School (ATS) of the Nigerian Army in Calabar.
He said that the exercise was aimed at equipping army personnel deployed to the coastal areas with competent amphibious skills to help them curb militancy, pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
“The Nigerian Army must continue to make progress in its determination to rid the riverside areas of activities of militants.
“We must keep our country safe at all times, even after the exercise; we must continue to maintain our presence at sea and in all the troubled areas and hot spots.
“I know the role the amphibious personnel are playing; amphibious operations are very difficult operations; it requires special training and re-training to fit in.
“On this regard, the ATS will give all the necessary support that is required for the personnel to perform very well.
“We are making efforts to also fix all the broken-down platforms and indeed, acquire more to enhance our operational capabilities in the riverside environment.
“We are also going to enhance our training in this regards. I must commend all the soldiers for their support in keeping our nation safe.’’
Our correspondent reports that the COAS also inaugurated five operational boats during the ceremony.
In his speech, Commandant of the training school, Brig.-Gen. Temitope Ademola, had said that the ATS, established in 1984, had the mandate to train and prepare soldiers for amphibious warfare.
According to Ademola, the ATS needs more operational equipment that will enhance its amphibious activities.
He appealed to the COAS to approve the supply of the needed equipment to the school.
Earlier in a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Ivara Esu, the COAS said that the army would collaborate with the state government in revamping the Tinapa Business Resort.
He said that the collaboration would strengthen existing relationship between the state and the army.
Responding, Esu said that the COAS had changed the face of Nigeria Army by motivating the troops with his presence at the Sambisa forest.
“We have no choice as a government than to give you all the necessary support you need in this exercise.
“Cross River needs the heavy presence of the military in other to sustain the existing peace we enjoy,’’ he said.

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.