News
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 Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, has called on rural communities in the State to embrace the Rural Access and Agricultural marketing project (RAAMP) with a view to improving their living conditions.
This follows the ongoing sensitization campaign by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) visits to Degema, Abonnema, Afam headquarters of Degema, Akuku Toru and Oyigbo Etche and Omuma local government areas respectively.
Dr Brown who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties in her office, Mrs Dein Akpanah, said RAAMP was initiated by the Federal Government and World Bank to economically empower rural dwellers.s
She said the World Bank understands the plights of rural farmers and traders in the State, and therefore came up with the programme to address them.
According to her, RAAMP will improve the conditions of farmers, traders and fishermen, and therefore, behoves on every rural communities in the State to embrace the programme.
The Head of Service also said the programme would support the youths to be gainfully employed while bridges and roads will be built to link farms and fishing settlements.
Also speaking, the State project coordinator, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the programme has the potential of creating millionaires among farmers and fishermen in the State.
Kpakol who was represented by Engr. Sam Tombari, said RAAMP would help farmers and fishermen to preserve their produce.
According to him, the project will build cold rooms and Silos for preservation of crops and fishes while access roads will also be created to link farmers and fishermen to the market.
He, however, warned them against any act that will lead to the suspension of the projects by the World Bank.
Kpakol particularly warned against acts such as kidnapping, marching ground, gender based violence and child labour, adding that such acts if they occur may lead to the cancellation of the project by the World Bank.
During the visit to Oyigbo local government area, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the team was there to let them know how they will benefit from the Raamp.
The coordinator who was personally at Oyigbo said the World Bank introduced the project to check food insecurity in the State.
He said already 19 states in Nigeria are already benefitting from the project and called on them to embrace the project.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the three local government areas have commended the World Bank for including their areas in the project.
They, however, complained over the incessant attacks by pirates on their waterways.
At Degema, King Agolia of Ke kingdom said land was a major problem in the kingdom.
King Agolia represented by High Chief Alpheus Damiebi said many indigenes of the kingdom are willing to go into farming but are handicapped by lack of land.
Also at Degema, the representative of the Omu Onyam Ekeim of Usokun Degema kingdom, Osoabo Isaac, said Degema has embraced the programme but needed more information on the implementation of the programme.
Similarly, while High Chief Precious Abadi advised that the project should not be narrowed to only crop farming, a community women leader, Mrs Orikinge Eremabo Otto, called for the construction of cold rooms in all fishing settlements in the area.
At Abonnema, Mr Diamond Kio linked the problem of the area to incessant piracy along waterways.
He also expressed fears over the possibility of the project being hijacked by politicians.
Also at Abonnema, a stakeholder, Ikiriko Kelvin, called on the World Bank to design an agricultural project that will suit the riverine environment, while at Oyigbo, HRH Eze Boniface Akawo expressed satisfaction with the project.
John Bibor
The political mudslinging between the Senate leadership and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continued yesterday as the Senate named Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the appointment during yesterday’s plenary, confirming Bassey’s replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently on suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February after she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle.
Bassey is the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
Although no reason was given for her removal yesterday, the change is believed to be connected to her unresolved suspension.
In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and directed her to tender an apology to the Senate.
However, the Senate has insisted it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central, has yet to resume her legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension.
In a televised interview on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before officially returning to plenary, citing legal advice and respect for institutional process.
Although the Federal High Court described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional”, a legal opinion dated July 5 and attributed to the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), argued that the ruling lacked any binding directive to enforce her reinstatement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only three female senators in the current assembly, said the continued delay in allowing her return was not only a denial of her mandate but also a blow to democratic representation.
“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she said.