Rivers

NSCDC Intensifies War Against Pipeline Vandalism

Published

4 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

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor