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Rivers NSCDC Nabs 187 Oil Thieves, Convicts 98 In 2020
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command says its operatives arrested 187 suspected oil thieves this year.
The state Commander of NSCDC, Mukhtar Lawal, made this known, yesterday, while rolling out achievements recorded by the command in the year under review at the Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The state NSCDC Commandant explained that the command in a bid to checkmate oil thieves in the state especially crude oil theft/vandalism developed some internal mechanism which include creating local intelligence around pipelines where the products pass to compliment the 24hours patrol around the various locations which yielded positive result as the command arrested no fewer than 187 suspected oil thieves, 195 trucks/vehicles used for vandalism in year 2020.
Lawal said the command also secured 98 convictions, while 195 vehicles were forfeited after they were seized at the scene of activities of vandals.
“The command in the year under review recorded 98 convictions in cases relating to illegal dealings in petroleum products, vandalism of petroleum pipelines,telecommunications facilities, PHCN facilities, among others.
“The command has secured the forfeiture of a tug boat, 10 trucks/vehicles for the Federal Government while 74 cases are currently going on with 48 suspects facing trials in Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.
“On December 15, 2020 a Mack container truck with registration number Lagos XM 918 BDC loaded with about 50 drums of AGO was arrested.
“On December 11, 2020, at about 0240hours two suspected oil thieves in possession of truck registration number XB 840 SAP was arrested within Ahoada West LGA.
“On December 10, 2020 at about 1230hours a short truck with registration number AJA 110 XR Lagos loaded with about 10,000litres of suspected adulterated AGO was apprehended along Iwofe Road in Obio/Akpor LGA.
“On December 6, 2020, at about 0245hours, four suspects with two 40feets suspected vandalized petroleum oil pipes loaded in an open bodied truck and a self loader truck with registration number ABC 767 XB Abuja and BGM 532 XA Rivers were arrested at Eteo community in Eleme LGA.
“On December 4, 2020, at about 10:00hours a green Camry car with registration number NKE 609 EV Eboyin loaded with adulterated DPK (kerosene) was arrested along Iwofe waterfront in Obio/Akpor LGA.
The state commandant said the dogged commitment of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu to the welfare of officers and men of the corps contributed to great achievement of the Rivers State Command.
Lawal reiterated the resolve of NSCDC Rivers State command in ensuring maximum protection of national facility and critical asset in the state.
The Rivers NSCDC helmsman maintained that the command has resolved over 22 cases relating to corruption using its Peace and Conflict Resolution (PRC) unit, tackling some 33 anti-fraud cases.
Eight more suspects, five trucks and a car loaded with adulterated DPK were also paraded, last Monday.
By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol