News
NSCDC Parades 16 Economic Saboteurs In PH
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested about 16 suspected economic saboteurs, in its effort to protect the country’s economy.
The Commandant, NSCDC Rivers State Command, Mr Murktar Lawal, who spoke while parading the suspects, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, said they were involved in separate incidents of economic sabotage before they were apprehended.
Lawal said a truck, which was conveying about 48, 000 litres of product suspected to be crude oil was intercepted at Mbiama in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
Another truck, which belonged to the Nigerian Breweries, was also intercepted with several sacks containing products suspected to be illegally refined Automated Gasoline Oil (AGO), in between beer creates.
Also, electrical armoured cable valued over N100.000, no fewer than 58 drums of filled adulterated petroleum products, and pipes believed to be used for the illegal oil business were among the items recovered by the command.
He recalled that sometime in August, a Toyota Highlander Jeep with Registration Number: AJ 703 AHD Rivers, containing 27 jerry cans of 25 litres each, also had some products suspected to be illegally refined AGO, which was intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service, Area 2 Command in Rivers State, and was handed over to NSCDC.
Concerning the arrest of the truck with Registration Number: EZA 766 XA ABIA, on September 15, 2020, at Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, he said that no suspect was arrested, but added that the command would go ahead with the prosecution of the suspects-at-large.
He further revealed that a sister agency, the Nigerian Army, had arrested and handed over two suspects in connection with illegal oil bunkering activities, stressing that suspects rode in a Mercedes Benz 508 car with Registration Number: XA 552 AXB, and were handed over to the NSCDC.
The NSCDC commandant expressed regret that people could still be indulging in economic sabotage, without recourse to the government’s repeated warnings.
According to him, the command, would not rest on its oars until every attempt to sabotage the country’s economy was brought under control.
He noted that between October 5 and 11, 2020, several illegal oil bunkering activities were frustrated by operatives of the command around Ukpeide Community in Ahoada West Local Government, and Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He reiterated the readiness of the command to discharge the mandate bestowed on it by the government without fear or favour, and assured that the command would not relent in efforts to execute same.
The Nigerian Breweries driver, whose name was not immediately obtained, claimed ignorance of the product he was conveying, because, according to him, “I was doing it free of charge”.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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