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Soldiers Destroy 109 Illegal Refining Sites …Recover N2.7bn In Stolen Crude ….Arrest 24 Oil Thieves
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said soldiers on anti-bunkering operations in the Niger Delta, have destroyed 109 illegal refining sites and arrested 24 oil thieves in the last two weeks.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko, who made this known, said the soldiers recovered over N2.7billion stolen crude comprising over four million litres of crude oil, two million litres of AGO and 30,000 litres of DPK.
He said the soldiers from Operation DELTA SAFE, also discovered and destroyed 34 wooden boats, 150 storage tanks, 119 ovens, 104 dugout pits, 27 pumping machines, one weapon, one speed boat, 13 vehicles and seven outboard engines.
Onyeuko, said the soldiers achieved the feat while on operation OCTOPUS GRIP conducted in creeks, towns and communities in the Niger Delta region of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State.
The DMO spokesman, at a media briefing on the update of military operations conducted between June 30 and July 14, said 3,858 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to troops fighting the counter-insurgency war.
The surrendered persons include 505 males, 1,042 females and 2,311 children.
He also said six high calibres of Commanders of the terrorist ground surrendered to troops.
He gave the names of the commanders to include Mallam Mala Hassan (WALI), Ali Madagali (MUNZUR), Musa Bashir (CHIEF ANUR), Buba Dahiru (MUNZUR), Jafar Hamma (KAID) and Abbali NAKIB Polisawa.
Within the period under review, Onyeuko said soldiers killed several terrorists and arrested some logistics suppliers/collaborators with various items at various logistics towns within the theatre.
Onyeuko statement on the update of military operations reads: “The troops of HADIN KAI have continued to take the battle to Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves with more coordinated operations. On 13 July, 2022, six top terrorists’commanders surrendered to own troops in Gwoza.
“It is pertinent to note that since the surrendering of terrorists to own troops the high calibre of commanders surrendered at this time is unprecedented among them a WALI (Governor) and KAID (a 3 star Commander). The surrendered are; Mallam Mala Hassan (WALI), Ali Madagali (MUNZUR), Musa Bashir (CHIEF ANUR), Buba Dahiru (MUNZUR), Jafar Hamma (KAID) and Abbali NAKIB Polisawa.
“Also, about 3,858 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered between 1 – 14 July 2022, comprising 505 male, 1,042 Female and 2,311 children. Furthermore, in the theatre, troops neutralised several Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province terrorists with in the period under review at different encounters at Gamage village in Dikwa Local Government Area, Dikwa – Gambora Ngala road, Pulka – Gwale road in Borno State, among others. Several terrorists’ logistics suppliers/collaborators were arrested with various items at various logistics towns within the theatre. Among them were two women namely; Hauwa Gambo and Khadija Dirsa.
“In a related development, on 11 July, 2022, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at Tumbum Jaki and Tumbum Murhu near Lake Chad in Borno State on the receipt of intelligent report on the activities of the insurgents in the general area. The successful airstrike neutralised several Boko Haram Terrorists and destroyed their hideout. Accordingly, information received from locals indicate that over 21 terrorists were neutralised in the airstrike.
“Consequently, between 1 – 14 July, 2022, troops neutralised 42 terrorists, arrested 10 suspected terrorists, captured 17 AK47 rifles, 1 QTC rifle, 1 RPG Bomb, 1 RPG tube, five hand grenades, 120 rounds of 5.5mm, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 151 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 12.7 108mm, two ammo links, fiveDane guns, eight rounds of fabricated 7.62mm ammunition, one smoke grenade, two locally made explosives, 23 empty AK-47 magazines, and five FN magazines.
“All surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families were profiled and documented while all recovered items and apprehended suspected terrorists were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
“Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI carried out several operations in its theatre, notably on 10 and 11 July at Sambo village in Dandume Local Government Area Katsina State neutralised two terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition. It also, intercepted bandits collaborators at DogoKade and Samawa village in KauraNamoda in Zamfara State where they recovered two motorcycles and jerry cans filled with Premium Motor Spirit and several stolen cows were recovered at Gidan Isa in Maradum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“In another development, on 11 July, 2022, troops rescued one MallamSani Umar Wara at Maberiya Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. It was revealed that he was serving at Zuru Correctional Centre but was kidnapped at KofarGabas town in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on 2 July, 2022. The rescued person was handed to Headquarters Correctional Centre Gusau for further action.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE on 2 July, 2022 conducted raid operation in Hausa Quarters in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State and discovered a weapon fabricating factory. The criminals fled before the arrival of own troops, however, troops recovered two locally made cartridge launchers, one FN rifle, one locally made gun and other items used in manufacturing weapons. In another operation, troops arrested criminal vandalising electric wires at NIPSS Kuru in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Also, two suspected cattle rustlers were arrested at Kara Market, Bukuru in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State, suspects are in the custody for further action.
“Relatedly on 1 July, 2022, troops raided some criminal enclaves in Kukyor Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Consequently, seven suspects were arrested, fiveDane guns, five machetes, five cartridges. Seven cell phones among others items were recovered.
“Also, on 7 and 8 July, 2022, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in conjunction with plateau State Police Command arrested two notorious kidnappers, Abdulrazaq Umar and IdrisAbdulahi at Beco Junction, Heipang District in BarkinLadi of Plateau State. The suspects confessed to have carried out series of kidnapping activities within Plateau and Bauchi States, including the murder of AlhajiSalehAbdulhamid (Shabi) at Ex-land Village on 22 June, 2022, the suspect’s further revealed one MallamBuhari Umar as the leader of the gang. However, while enroute the criminal hideout, the suspect attempted to escape and were neutralised.
“Similarly, on 9 July 2022, troops conducted raid operation at Mailafia, Nisaina, DogonFilli and GidanWaya all in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and arrested two armed robbers; Mr George Yakubu and George Joseph aged 26 and 25 years respectively. Items recovered from the suspects includes three fabricated AK-47 rifles, one knife, one cutting hoe, oneI cutlers, one spanner amongst others.
“Also, on the same day, troops responded to a distress call that gunmen attacked a Toyota Hummer Bus with registration number LFA 322 YR Nasarawa at DoganFilli Village in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and rescued nine passengers who were held hostage. All arrested criminals, rescued civilians and recovered items were handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
“In compliance with its mandate of safety of lives and property in the Nigerian Maritime environment, the Nigerian Navy Ship OKPABANA of Operation Delta Safe on 5 July, 2022 responded to a distress message and in a swift reaction located and rescued a 16 meters surfer passenger boat MV NUE SWIFT belonging to a Lagos based oil service company.
“The boat had lost her propelling ability at Agbara Platform while transiting from Forcados to Bonny Mooring and drifted for 32 hours before being rescued by own troops. Accordingly, the crew and the boat were handed over to the Forward Operations Base Bonny on 6 July 2022.
“In the same vein, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE on operation OCTOPUS GRIP conducted operational activities in creeks, towns and communities in the Niger Delta region of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers State. In the cause of conducting anti-illegal oil refining operations, troops discovered and destroyed 109 illegal refining sites, 34 wooden boats, 150 storage tanks, 119 ovens, 104 dugout pits.
“Cumulatively, within the period under review troops recovered 27 pumping machines, one weapon, one speed boat, 13 vehicles, seven outboard engine, 4.339million litres of crude oil, 2.051million litres of AGO and 30,000litres of DPK. Troops also arrested 24 economic saboteurs. All recovered items and apprehended oil thieves were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
“Troops in the South-West zone of the country have continued to fight crime and clamped down on smugglers in the border area of the zone. On 3 July, 2022, troops on joint border patrol recovered 61 25litres jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and intercepted two vehicles loaded with 163 50 kilogrammes of foreign rice along Ifo-Abeokuta in Ifo Local Government Area and ijimu – Tata in ImekoAfon Local Government Area of Ogun State. All recovered items were handover to the Nigerian Custom Service, Abeokuta.
“Finally, I wish to convey the military high command commendations on the efforts of the troops in the various theatres of operation across the country. Furthermore, the entire populace is hereby appreciated for the support given to the Armed Forces and security agencies in the conduct of their operations while also urging them to continue to provide creditable information on criminals in their locality. The media community is also acknowledged for their partnership and cooperation with the military and other security agencies in our quest to return peace to our dear country”.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the 33.5-kilometre Elele–Umudioga–Egbeda–Ubimini–Ikiri–Omoku dual carriageway is nearing completion and will be ready for inauguration by early May.
Speaking after inspecting the project last Wednesday, the governor disclosed that the N80.8 billion road project, currently at about 90 per cent completion, is on track for delivery before the end of April.
The project, which links Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas, was awarded to Craneburg Construction Company with a 24-month completion timeline.
Fubara expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, describing the road as a landmark achievement of his administration.
He noted that beyond infrastructure, the project symbolises progress and purposeful governance.
Highlighting its economic and security value, the governor said the road serves as a vital link to Omoku, a major gas hub, and would significantly enhance business activities in the area.
He recalled that the corridor was previously notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery but said the ongoing development had transformed the security outlook.
According to him, improved accessibility will enable security agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies, effectively curbing criminal activities that once plagued the route.
Fubara commended the contractor for adhering to the project timeline, expressing confidence that the road will soon be completed and opened to the public.
Recall that the governor had, during the flag-off ceremony in May 2024, disclosed that the project is funded from the State’s internally generated revenue savings.
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.
This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.
It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.
Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.
The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.
The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.
Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.
It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.
Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.
Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.
The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.
The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.
He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.
“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.
“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.
