News
Army Destroys 20 Illegal Refineries, Arrests Eight In N’Delta
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully dismantled 20 illegal oil refining sites, recovered 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, and arrested eight suspects in a major operation across the Niger Delta.
The acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
The raid, conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies, targeted criminal activities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States between December 23 and 29, 2024.
He confirmed that the operation led to the destruction of illegal refining sites, the seizure of stolen products, and the deactivation of 21 boats used for criminal activities.
The statement read, “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have sustained the onslaught against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region. This operation resulted in the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of over 90,000 litres of stolen products.”
“The army responded to a tip-off about illegal activities near Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, uncovering a large tarpaulin storage reservoir containing over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.
“In the same area, troops engaged criminal elements in a gunfight, forcing them to flee. The operation also led to the discovery of 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene and the arrest of three oil thieves.
“In Krakrama Community, Degema LGA, troops intercepted two illegal refining sites, four fibre boats, and three wooden boats.
“Around 2,000 litres of stolen crude were also seized. Similarly, in Gbede, Omoku, 27 locally made ovens and 31 sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
“Other significant recoveries included the seizure of over 3,500 litres of stolen products at Odagwa-Imo Riverside in Etche LGA and the dismantling of seven illegal refining sites, six boats, and over 10,000 litres of stolen products at the fringes of Imo River.
“In Bayelsa State, one illegal refining site was dismantled at Biseni Forest in Yenagoa LGA, with approximately 8,000 litres of stolen products seized. Troops also uncovered an attempt to vandalize a Shell Petroleum Development Company’s flowline in the Opukushi area of Ekeremor LGA.
“In Akwa Ibom, the military intercepted 11 drums containing 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in Mbo LGA, with further operations uncovering an additional 31 drums of PMS, totaling 8,680 litres.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the products were intended for smuggling to a neighboring country.
“In Delta State, various operations were carried out to deny criminal elements the freedom to operate, contributing to a safer environment for exploration activities.
“The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, commended the troops for their vigilance and encouraged local communities to continue providing actionable intelligence to combat economic sabotage in the region.”
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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