News
SPDC Denies Oil Production In Ogoni
The leading oil and gas company in Nigeria, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has dismissed claims by some groups in Ogoni that it has begun concerted efforts to resume oil production, more than 24 years after it stopped crude oil production activities in Ogoniland.
The multinational oil and gas company also said it was not aware of any shooting incident involving government security personnel attached to the pipeline repair team in the area, and was not in a position to speak for the Nigerian military.
Reacting to a statement credited to Ogoni Youth Forum, claiming that soldiers attached to SPDC personnel, allegedly opened fire on some youth who were on a peaceful protest, at Nonwa, Tai, against the alleged forceful commencement of laying of pipelines in Ogoniland without the consent of the people or the conduct of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the company’s spokesman, Joseph Obari said: “The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) is carrying out repair work on the 24” Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) which passes through parts of Ogoni land and beyond.
“The scope of work involves replacement of sections of the existing pipeline. No new pipelines are being laid”.
Obari confirmed that “The 24” TNP has been shut in since 2013 awaiting this maintenance. SPDC has no plans to resume oil production in Ogoni land which was stopped in 1993.”
He explained that “The maintenance work involves repairs on the 24” TNP both in the Ogoni axis and beyond.”
The Shell spokesman also emphasised that “The affected communities have been adequately engaged and their support secured prior to mobilisation of the repair crew,” stressing that, “The repair work is providing employment and other benefits for the host communities.
“The works are restricted and contained within SPDC’s right of way, and so far, no third party land has been impacted”, Obari added.
It would be recalled that the Ogoni Youth Forum (OYF) had, last Friday, condemned the careless shooting of Ogoni youth by a detachment of men of the Nigerian Army.
The OYF had alleged that the Army personnel, attached to officials of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), last Thursday opened fire on some youth from Ogoni and injured many.
A statement by the National Coordinator of OYF, Yamaabana Legborsi in Port Harcourt, had regretted that in spite of years of agitations against environmental degradation and abuse, Ogoni communities were still battling with the hazards and past ill-activities of SPDC.
They alleged that the inability of the Federal Government to remediate the already over-polluted Ogoni environment without any severe sanctions had emboldened Shell to increase its unmitigated actions against the precious Ogoni environment.
When contacted on phone for comments, a spokesperson for the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Captain Eligible Lazarus could not be reached, as his mobile line was switched off.
In an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers, Mene Suanu Baridam, confirmed that some Ogoni youth actually protested against the ongoing laying of pipes in Ogoni by Shell, describing the action as provocative.
The traditional ruler described the traditional tendency of Shell to sow seeds of discord in Ogoni as a threat to the peace in the area, insisting that Shell was putting the cart before the horse.
Baridam, therefore, pleaded with the Federal Government to call Shell to order in order not to instigate another round of crisis in Ogoniland.
MOSOP, in a statement, yesterday, confirmed that the youth carried out a peaceful demonstration on October 26, 2017 against Shell over her resumed laying of pipelines in Ogoni suspended in August this year following protests led by MOSOP.
Signed by the Media and Public Affairs Advisor, Bari-ara Kpalap, MOSOP said, “The demonstration was necessitated by the reason that rather than respond to the demands of the people, Shell under the shield of sophisticatedly armed military and para-military operatives resumed the vexacious laying of oil pipelines in the region without carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as provided by law, to enable the people know the implications of the project.
“They also violated the right of the people to free, prior and informed consent protected under international law through refusal to hold broad-based discussion and obtain the agreement of the people.
“As early as 7am, the demonstrators had gathered at the popular Nonwa junction on the East-West Road running through the area, singing and dancing. Suddenly, heavily armed soldiers and police officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) led by the JTF commander in the area arrived in many military trucks and unleashed mayhem on the unarmed Ogoni demonstrators in an attempt to frustrate the protest.
“They shot sporadically and many of the demonstrators who were unlucky were savagely brutalised and inflicted with varying degrees of injuries.
“Those injured and are hospitalised include Messrs Lenaata Biraalo, Dumka Kpee Paago, Paul Barivule, Eedee Bedi, Keanyie Barikuula, Lekpea Barialo, Sunday Lekie. John Dumadi, Saturday Lodee, Popnwin Dibia and Barididum Kpoobe.
“The others Mrs. Basile Baridon, Nwinee Akoba, Biale Peter, Mary Nwidum, Lesira Paul and Justina Bekee. In fact, Samson Akpotor was so lucky as life bullets missed his head narrowly and shattered the window of a nearby building.”
However, the protesters regrouped, defied the violent security approach and carried on. Addressing the crowd, Bari-ara Kpalap warned that brutality was not going to sway the resolve of the people, emphasising that those that refuse peaceful advocacy to succeed certainly call for violent response but Ogoni won’t be swayed from its avowed non-violent and peaceful methodology.
He called on the people to use all peaceful and civilised means in resisting the attempt to deny Ogonis their rights, adding “that laying of pipelines in Ogoni falls within the context of oil production.”
He warned that Ogoni cannot accept that such capital project be executed in the area without EIA, discussion and agreement with the people, adding that Shell remains persona non-grata in Ogoni and must steer clear of the region.
Meanwhile, MOSOP, yesterday, slammed statements ascribed to the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Tai Local Government Area, Mr. Silver Ngba as not only disgraceful but also provocative and a huge betrayal of the Ogoni people.
It regretted that Ngba had earlier confessed to journalists on how he connived with Shell, using soldiers and the police to chase away Ogoni demonstrators protesting against the controversial laying of pipelines in the area without the free, prior and informed consent and agreement with the Ogoni people as well as carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before embarking on the project. He as well lamented that the oil mogul has refused to pay him as agreed after accomplishing his part of the deal.
MOSOP said in a statement yesterday that if the Tai LGA chairman could publicly tell the world how he took part in actions that violated the fundamental human rights of the Ogoni people, including inflicting bodily injuries on innocent, harmless and peaceful Ogoni demonstrators and gave pecuniary reason for his involvement, it was enough for the Rivers State Government to remove him from office.
MOSOP, thus warned all Ogonis to desist from working against the collective interest of the people as this will not be tolerated.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in carton walls, winter jackets, and body cream containers through Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a Lagos-based courier firm.
The agency said two consignments bound for Italy were intercepted at the Lagos airport, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the shipments.
In a statement released yesterday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on Friday, March 20, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome, Italy.
The statement partly read, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.
“One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.
“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy.”
In another operation on Wednesday, March 18, Babafemi said NDLEA officers at the departure hall intercepted another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, attempting to board a Lufthansa flight to Milan.
A search of his luggage uncovered 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg, 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg, and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg concealed in two large winter jackets.
“No fewer than 23,150 pills of tramadol 225mg; 4,000 tablets of tapentadol 250mg; and 1,320 pills of tramadol 100mg, all concealed in two large winter jackets, bringing the total number of opioids recovered from him to 28,470 pills. The 38-year-old Agbonhese is also a resident of Milan,” the statement added.
In a separate operation at a courier firm in Lagos, Babafemi said NDLEA officers on Monday, March 16, intercepted two parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 1kg, hidden in a carton shipped from the United States.
“Also thwarted was an attempt to export 158 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the walls of a carton to New Zealand,” he said.
In Kano State, operatives arrested Abdulkadir Mamuda, 35, with 102.5kg of skunk at Dan-Tsalle, while another suspect, Uche Johnson Festus, 47, was nabbed at Naibawa Gabas with 95.5kg of the same substance.
Babafemi said the agency also recovered 21,737 bottles of codeine-based syrup during a raid at Otto, Ijora area of Lagos on Wednesday, March 18, adding that two suspects, Chidiebere Anigbogu and Paul Nwagbara, were arrested the same day on the Third Mainland Bridge while conveying 8,380 bottles of the syrup.
In Edo State, operatives recovered 97.5kg of skunk from the residence of Akeem Idde, 37, in Ojah, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area on March 16.
In the FCT, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada Expressway on March 18, recovering 91,840 pills of tramadol hidden in body compartments of the vehicle. The driver, Aminu Ali, 27, was arrested.
In Oyo State, a suspect, Bankole Bari, was on Tuesday, March 17, arrested at Oke-Oyan, Ibarapa LGA, with 71.2kg of skunk, which he smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Oyan River.
In a similar development, “Not less than 586,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 were recovered by NDLEA operatives from Lawal Anas, 28, along Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Kaduna, on Tuesday, March 17, while 7,290 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from Musa Shuaibu, 22, at the same location on Friday, March 20,” Babafemi said.
In Taraba State, officers intercepted Aliyu Adamu, 26, along the Takum-Jalingo Highway with 77,660 capsules of tramadol, while in Adamawa State, six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure of 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.
The suspects include Ramatu Aliyu, Jungudo Abdullahi, Najid Abdullahi, Musa Mohammed, Usman Abdulrahim, and Musa Mohammed.
The agency said its commands across the country also intensified War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, and communities during the week.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the MMIA, DOGI, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Edo, Oyo, FCT, Taraba, and Adamawa commands for the arrests and seizures, urging them to sustain the balanced approach to drug control efforts.
News
RSG Applauds FRSC, NDLEA For Enhancing Security In Rivers …As NDLEA Pushes For Drug Tests In Schools, NYSC Camps
The Rivers State Government has commended the dedication and collaboration of federal government agencies in sustaining security in the State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the State Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), CN Bature Dawa, in Port Harcourt, last week, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara appreciates the strong synergy between the agencies in promoting his administration’s vision of peace, prosperity and progress in the State.
Wokoma urged residents to remain law-abiding, noting that respect for the law is essential for good governance and sustainable development in all parts of the state.
He stated that the governor has remained committed to initiatives that promote peace and social order, stressing that the administration will continue to support programmes of federal agencies aimed at strengthening security and public safety.
“Our governor is committed to peace, progress and prosperity in Rivers State. I therefore encourage all residents, especially young people who are often targeted by those involved in drug abuse, to stay away from drugs, crime and reckless driving,” he said.
In his remarks, the State NDLEA boss, Dawa, disclosed that the agency has arrested 39 suspects in the state from December 2025 to date, including 16 new cases currently under investigation.
He explained that the NDLEA, through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control Units, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of illicit drugs and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
Dawa also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, while urging hotel owners and managers to remain vigilant and prevent their facilities from being used for drug-related activities.
He further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of measures to discourage drug abuse among young people.
In a related development, Dr Wokoma received the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CC Inyang Umoh, during a courtesy visit, and urged residents to abide by road safety laws and drive in consideration of other road users.
In his remarks, the FRSC boss expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the continuous support to the Corps.
Muslims in Rivers State have commended Governor Siminialayi Fubara for his dedication and commitment to the development of the state.
They also lauded the governor for promoting peaceful co-existence among various religious groups in the state.
Vice President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ,Alhaji Nasil Awhelegbe Uhor, gave the commendation last Friday during the Eid-el Fitri prayer to mark the end of Ramadan fasting period, at the Port Harcourt Central Mosque, Niger Street, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayer, Alhaji Uhor said Governor Fubara has shown exemplary leadership in the affairs of the state.
Uhor who is the leader of the South South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, called on Muslims to remain committed to the ideal of peace and fear of the Almighty Allah.
According to the Rivers State Islamic leader, the message is for Muslims to imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink into their lives and shape their ways of doing things.
He urged Muslims to imbibe the culture of love and respect for one another.
“My message is that all Muslims should imbibe and allow the lessons of Ramadan to sink with them,” he advised.
Uhor stressed the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to remain patriotic, while avoiding all forms of anti-social behaviours.
He also called on the political leaders to put the country first, stressing that there is no need for Nigerians to continue to wallow in abject poverty when the country is so rich with natural resources.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Rivers State, Alhaji Ibrahim S Yalo, urged Muslims to fear God, and speak the truth always.
According to him, time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of peaceful coexistence, speak the truth and be each others keeper.
“Nigerians own a duty to ensure peace, live together in fear of God and speak the truth always,” he said.
By: John Bibor
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