Rivers

NSCDC Intensifies War Against Pipeline Vandalism

Published

3 years ago

October 13, 2022

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has declared war against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and oil pipelines vandalism in the State.
Addressing newsmen at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the State Commandant, Michael Besong Ogar said: “There is no going back in the arrest and prosecution of pipeline vandals, oil thieves and their sponsors.
“The Command under my watch will continue to pursue the illegal oil bunkerers from their hideouts, dismantle their dumps and prosecute suspects arrested according to the extant laws of the Federation”.
Ogar said out of the 16 suspects arrested for their involvement in illegal oil dealings, eight of them were arrested by the Rivers State Command, Antivandal Land Patrol, at different locations across the State.
“Following a credible Intelligence, these suspects, Abubakar Babangida Jinadu (M) 33years, Mohammed Ibrahim Kabir (M) 30years, and Gombejo Musa (M) 45years, were intercepted and arrested at Obi Wali International Conference Center along Eliozu/Air Force Road in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of Rivers State, while conveying a White Howo 911 Truck with number plate ABUJA ABC 764 XD laden with unquantified litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in cellophane and packed in sack bags.
“In addition, one Mathew Ani (M) 27years was arrested at Port Harcourt Mall (SPAR) along Azikiwe road in Port Harcourt. He was intercepted in an ash Colour Volkswagen Car with registration number RIVERS BNY 471 NL laden with 3 drums (750litres) of illegaly refined AGO.
“Consequently, during our routine patrol, the Antivandal land operatives impounded a Big white Bus with Registration number LAGOS BDG 903 XZ laden with illegaly refined
AGO concealed in cellophane bags at Nonwa axis of East/West road, Tai Local Government Area in Rivers State.
“The suspects upon sighting our men abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels”.
The Command’s Antivandal Land Patrol Team at New Road, Mgbaraja, Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, also impounded 2 cars with number plates LAGOS APP 382 FB and ABIA ABA 56 HA laden with about 5 drums (1,250litres) of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil popularly called Diesel, the Commandant said.
The State NSCDC boss further confirmed the taking over from the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS), Port Harcourt, another eight suspects arrested for illegal dealings in petroleum products.
They were conveying three wooden boats laden with unquantified litres of AGO and 1 fibre boat laden with 19 drums of AGO.
He noted that the official taking over of the suspects was meant to enhance further investigation and prosecution by the Command in tandem with the NSCDC Act 2003, as amended in 2007, and the provisions of the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedure on Arrests, Detention and Prosecution of vessels and Person’s in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment 2016.
Ogar led newsmen to an Oil dump located at Agbada 1 Aluu, Igwruta. Ikwerre Local Government Area where Taminu Mohammed (M) 34years, Stanley Onyekwelu (M) 34years, and Sunday John (M) 27years were arrested with a White – Dark Brown colour Mack Tank-Truck with registration number BAYELSA SAG 181 XA.
“Upon further investigation our operatives also discovered at the dump site, 170 Tanks, out of which 35 were loaded with AGO, which totalled 35,000 litres. We also recovered 22 unused tanks, 113 other empty tanks, 2 long and short empty Iron tanks and One (1) Generating Set.
“Recall that we have reiterated overtime that any compound, building or site where illegal oil bunkering activities are discovered would be sealed by our men and subsequently forfeited to the Federal Government hence, that is what will happen here”, he stated.
Commending the Synergy amongst sister security Agencies and NSCDC in the State, Oga said effective collaborations and intelligence sharing are panacea to combating the menace of Oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
He affirmed that having confessed to the crime, the suspects would be prosecuted in the Court of competent jurisdiction, while the dump site and mode of conveyance such as Trucks, Buses, Cars, Boats and their contents would be forfeited and proceeds remitted to the Federal Government Coffers.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Fasthire, PHCCIMA, CIPM Host CareerFest 2026 In PH

Published

4 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Fasthire Services, in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Rivers State Chapter, is set to organise a two-day career development and job creation event in Port Harcourt, from February 27-28, 2026.

The event, known as “Fasthire CareerFest 2026”, is expected to attract over 1,000 job opportunities, with employers actively recruiting across various sectors.

CareerFest 2026 is designed to be a high-impact platform that goes beyond a traditional job fair, and will also feature career exhibitions and professional guidance sessions, aimed at helping participants navigate career pathways, professional development, and long-term career planning.

There will be virtual sessions and industry conversations on February 27, and physical conference and job fair in Port Harcourt on February 28.

The hybrid event will feature three core components career and Industry Conference – keynote sessions, panel discussions, and fireside chats with HR leaders, business executives, policymakers, and industry experts.

The organisers said CareerFest 2026 is open to students, fresh graduates, job seekers, professionals, recruiters, business leaders, and anyone seeking career clarity, growth, or new opportunities.

They called on members of the public, employers who have vacancies and want to recruit, and professionals to register and participate in what is positioned as one of the most impactful career and employment-focused events in the South-South region.

The vision for CareerFest was originally conceived by Fasthire Services and has since received strong buy-in and strategic support from PHCCIMA and CIPM Rivers, reflecting a shared commitment to workforce development, youth empowerment, and sustainable employment.

Other strategic partners supporting the event include NTA, 3MTT, Google Developer Group (GDG) Port Harcourt, SMFest, and other companies and organisations that are committed to skills development, innovation, and employment creation.

With strong institutional backing, a clear employment focus, and a growing network of partners, Fasthire CareerFest 2026 is positioned to play a meaningful role in shaping careers, strengthening the workforce, and driving inclusive economic growth in Rivers State and beyond.

Rivers

Police Raise Alarm Over Rise In Officers’ Impersonation

Published

4 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing rise in criminal activities involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting members of the public across the state.

The Command described the trend as a serious threat to public safety and trust, urging residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious at all times.

In a press release by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, the Police said the suspects allegedly operate by dressing in black outfits and posing as law enforcement officers while setting up illegal checkpoints to harass and intimidate unsuspecting citizens.

According to the release, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, also expressed concern over the development and assured the public that decisive steps have been taken to curb the menace.

He said a robust monitoring and intelligence mechanism has been activated to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the criminal acts.

Police authorities noted that the actions of these impostors not only amount to extortion and impersonation, but also undermine the credibility of legitimate security operations within the state.

The Command warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

The statement further clarified that no police officer or security agent has the legal authority to stop citizens on the road or at checkpoints to search their mobile phones, laptops or other personal electronic devices.

Such actions, the Police said, are unlawful and should be resisted through proper reporting channels.

Residents were also cautioned against complying with demands to accompany any individual to a Point of Sale (POS) operator, bank or other financial outlet for the purpose of withdrawing or transferring money, as this is a common tactic employed by the criminals.

The Police Command also called on members of the public to be alert and to take note of their surroundings, especially when confronted by suspicious persons or hostile checkpoints that do not follow established policing procedures.

To strengthen community participation in tackling the problem, the Command provided several emergency contact numbers for immediate reporting of suspicious activities.

The numbers include the Complaint Response Unit hotlines: 07057605256, 08120822987 and 09035774814.

Additional contact lines include the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818 and the Command’s Control Room on 08032003514, all of which are available for prompt response to distress calls.

Security analysts have observed that impersonation of law enforcement officers has become a recurring challenge in urban centres, often thriving where public awareness is low.

They stress that timely reporting by citizens is critical in dismantling such criminal networks.

The State Police Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state.

It also appealed to the public to continue supporting legitimate police operations with credible information.

The statement further emphasized that cooperation between the Police and the public remains essential to ensuring a safe and secure Rivers State.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso