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Niger Delta

Army Launches Free Medical As Joint Security Begins In N’Delta

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4 years ago

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A joint security operation, code-named “Exercise Still Waters”, has commenced in four Niger Delta states.
The States include Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.
The operation involves the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Department of State Service.
Other paramilitary agencies include Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Correctional Service.
The General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Sani Mohammed launched the exercise in Ahoada, the headquarters of Ahoada Local Government Area on Monday.
According to Mohammed, the operation will be carried out across the four states from Oct. 4 to Dec. 23.
“The exercise will be based on real-time intelligence on the prevailing security threats to checkmate various crimes and criminalities as the Yuletide approaches.
“Exercise Still Water will be conducted by troops of 6 Division, alongside the navy, air force, police and paramilitary agencies from various commands in the four states under the division.
“The exercise will be used to promote inter-agency cooperation between officers and men of the army and other security agencies in the states,” Mohammed said.
He said aside enhancing inter-agency joint operation, the exercise would also be used to strengthen civil-military relations with its host communities.
The GOC further said the division had lined up medical outreaches, educational and relief support activities, amongst other programmes, to improve relations with its host communities.
“Personnel taking part in this exercise are expected to carry out their duties professionally in line with the stipulated rules of engagement and code of conduct,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, 6 Division, has launched its free medical outreach targeted at about 1,200 residents of Ahoada and environs.
Col. David Ibe, the Commander of the division’s Medical Services and Hospital, Port Harcourt, said the initiative aimed at preventing, detecting and treating various ailments in its host communities.
“We are carrying out tests for malaria, anaemia, hypertension and blood sugar, as well as free eye screening and treatment, among others.
“Patients diagnosed with minor eye problems will be treated, while others with major defects will be referred to Military Hospital in Port Harcourt and issued free correctional glasses.
“Test and treatment are totally free for the 1,200 beneficiaries that we are targeting for the outreach,” Ibe said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Jonas Eke, thanked the Nigerian Army for the medical outreach.
Eke said that many of them had not undergone medical checks for years and that the outreach offered them a golden opportunity to do so.

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Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
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Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
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Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

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1 week ago

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May 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
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