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”.
News
Drug Party: NDLEA Arrests Over 100 Suspects At Lagos Night Club
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday arrested over 100 suspects at Proxy Night club located at No. 7, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, where a drug party was going on.
Spokesman of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this yesterday, said the suspects arrested include the owner of the club, Mike EzeNwalieNwogu, alias Pretty Mike, who was taken into custody for screening.
“Cartons of illicit substances, including Loud and laughing gas, were recovered from suspects at the party and the club’s store,” Babafemi said.
The raid followed intelligence about the drug party. NDLEA operatives who were embedded in the party between 11 pm on Saturday, 25th October, however, disrupted the gathering at 3 am on Sunday, 26th October, in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Similarly, NDLEA said a total of 70 parcels of cocaine factory packed in walls of cocoa butter formula body cream containers heading to London, United Kingdom, were uncovered at the export shed of the MurtalaMuhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, with three suspects arrested in a series of follow-up operations across Lagos.
According to the statement, “The cocaine consignments weighing 3.60 kilograms were discovered on 14th October 2025 during examination of cargoes packaged as personal effects going to London, UK on an Air Peace flight.
“A cargo agent, Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, who presented the consignment for airfreight, was promptly arrested while investigations stretching into two weeks led to the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the attempt to export the concealed Class A drug to the UK.
“In a follow up operation on 18th October, a female healthcare worker OgunmuyideTaiwo Deborah was arrested following which Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, the Chief Executive Officer of a travel agency, MutiuAdebiyi& Co, was arrested at his 23 LadokeAkintola Street, Ikeja GRA Lagos office on Monday 20 th October”.
In a similar development, an attempt by a 35-year-old Lesotho national, Lemena Mark, to export 103.59 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a diabeta herbs coffee tea pack to the Philippines on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from the AkanuIbiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu on Wednesday, 22nd October, was thwarted by NDLEA officers who arrested him and recovered the illicit drug.
No fewer than 21,950 capsules of tramadol 250mg concealed inside a 100-litre water heater were recovered from a suspect, Umar Abubakar, 40, who was arrested by NDLEA operatives at Bode Saadu, Morro local government area of Kwara state, following credible intelligence on Tuesday, 21st October.
In Taraba, the duo of Auwal Musa, 26, and SalihuBala, 22, were arrested on Tuesday, 21st October, with 450,000 pills of tramadol and Exol-5 at Dan-anacha checkpoint while conveying the consignment in a truck loaded with building materials from Onitsha, Anambra state, to Mubi, Adamawa state.
Also, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Okene/Lokoja highway, Kogi state, seized 162.200kg skunk, a strain of cannabis, from a truck on Friday, 24th October. Operatives in Nasarawa state on Wednesday, 22nd October, recovered 128kg of the same psychoactive substance from a suspect, Abubakar Muhammad, 55, in the Keffi area of the state.
A mother of two, Oyonumoh Glory Effiong, who is a major distributor of Canadian and California Loud, both strong strains of cannabis, in Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and VGC areas of Lagos, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday, 17th October, during a raid at her Lekki home, where 500 grams of the illicit substances were recovered.
In the Ikorodu area of Lagos, NDLEA officers on Thursday, 23rd October, raided the home of a suspect, OgunyaboAdenigbigbe, at Solomade estate, where 275 litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant drink, cannabis and opioids, were recovered.
A 75-year-old grandpa, EchenduOnuoka, was arrested on Wednesday, 22nd October, at Ovum village, Obingwa LGA, Abia state, with 4.7kg skunk seized from him, while a 60-year-old grandma, Aukana John, was nabbed with 225 grams of the same substance at Apanta village, in the same LGA.
While a 150kg skunk was recovered during a raid operation at Lot camp, IkunAkoko, Ondo state, two suspects: Bashir Mohammad, 50, and Samini Ahmed Tijjani, 35, were nabbed with 234.5kg of the same substance at Yan aya ,Saminaka in Lere LGA, Kaduna on Friday, 24th October, just as another set of suspects: IsahUsman, 50, and Salvation Okoler, 18, were arrested with 8,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and rohypnol along Abuja/Kaduna highway.
At the Seme border area of Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, 22nd October nabbed Jacob Ojugbele with 55kg skunk at Ashipa area of Badagry, while AmusaOluwabukola was arrested with 121.3 litres of skuchies at ItogaBadagry.
In Zamfara state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Gummi-Anka road on Monday, 20th October arrested a suspect, Abubakar Ibrahim, 30, in possession of an AK-47 rifle and 1,746 assorted calibres of ammunition, for AK-47 and GPMG rifles while moving them from Sokoto to Bagega forest, Anka LGA, Zamfara. Both the suspect and the exhibits have since been handed over to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.
With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week.
These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Asabari Grammar School, IluwaIsaleOke, Saki West LGA, Oyo; Government Day Girls Secondary School, BirninKebbi, Kebbi; St. Mark’s College, Nsude, Enugu; Kusaki Secondary School, Gboko North, Benue; Government Day Secondary School, Serti- Baruwa, Gashaka LGA, Taraba; Police Children School 2, Port Harcourt, Rivers and Hajara Ahmad International School, Tudun Wada, Kano state, among others.
While commending the officers and men of MMIA, AIIA, Lagos, Kwara, Abia, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ondo, Anambra, Taraba, Kaduna, Seme and Zamfara Commands for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed BubaMarwa (Rtd) urged them and their colleagues across the country to continue the Agency’s balanced approach to drug control efforts.
News
SERAP Demands NNPCL Account For Oil Revenues, Threatens Legal Action
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), BayoOjulari, to provide a detailed account of oil revenues reportedly flagged by the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2022 annual report.
The report, published on September 9, 2025, raised questions over the management of multi-billion-naira transactions, including over N22 billion, $49 million, £14 million, and €5 million in oil-related revenue, handled by the national oil company.
In a letter dated October 25, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, KolawoleOluwadare, the organisation called on Ojulari to ensure transparency by identifying those responsible for any unaccounted funds and forwarding the findings to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies.
“These findings raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public resources,” SERAP said.
The group urged the NNPCL to recover any unremitted or misapplied funds and return them to the national treasury, stressing that proper management of oil revenues was crucial for national development.
“The allegations, if not promptly and transparently addressed, could undermine public confidence and economic stability,” SERAP stated.
According to the organisation, the Auditor-General’s report drew attention to issues such as irregular payments, uncompleted projects, and documentation lapses relating to oil sector transactions.
SERAP argued that corruption and financial mismanagement in the oil sector had long hindered Nigeria’s ability to channel its vast petroleum wealth into improved public services.
“Despite the country’s enormous oil resources, citizens continue to face hardship due to a lack of accountability and transparency in revenue management,” the statement noted.
The organisation maintained that if the flagged funds were properly accounted for, more resources could be made available for sectors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.
It added that the NNPCL must take proactive steps to comply with audit recommendations, including closing identified loopholes and enhancing oversight on contract execution.
SERAP also warned that it would take legal action should the NNPCL fail to respond within seven days.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and publication of this letter.
“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest,” the organisation said.
The group cited Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates public institutions to prevent corrupt practices and abuse of power.
News
N’Assembly Committee Approves New State ForS’East
The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East geo-political zone.
According to a statement by the media unit of the committee, the resolution was reached on Saturday at a two-day retreat in Lagos, where it reviewed 55 proposals for state creation across the country.
The session, chaired by the Deputy Senate President, BarauJibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, resolved that, in the spirit of fairness and equity, the Federal Government should create another state for the region.
Kalu, who joined other lawmakers to champion additional state creation for the region, argued that a new state would give the people a sense of belonging.
When created, the South-East will be at par with the South-South, South-West, North-Central, and North-East zones, each having six states.
The South-East is the only geo-political zone with five states comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
The North-West comprises seven states: Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Jigawa.
According to the statement, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) moved a motion for the creation of the new state, which was seconded by Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State) at the retreat.
“The motion received the unanimous support of committee members and was adopted,” the statement read in part.
Similarly, the committee also established a sub-committee to consider the creation of additional states and local government areas across all six geo-political zones, noting that a total of 278 proposals were submitted for review.
Speaking at the event, Jibrin urged members to rally support among their colleagues at the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly to ensure the resolutions sail through during voting.
“We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process.
“By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders—from both chambers and the state Houses of Assembly,” the Deputy Senate President was quoted as saying.
-
News4 days agoNew INEC Chair Pledges Free, Fair, Credible Polls
-
Maritime23 hours agoCustoms Intercepts N5.3BN Illicit Drugs AT TIN CAN PORT
-
Rivers23 hours ago
Organization Seeks Office Space From Council Boss
-
Sports22 hours agoDivision One Volleyball League kicks off in Abia
-
Niger Delta23 hours ago
Bayelsa Lauds WHO, Others Over Support For Healthcare … Flags-Off Statewide Immunization
-
News22 hours agoDrug Party: NDLEA Arrests Over 100 Suspects At Lagos Night Club
-
Nation4 days agoNIOB President Calls For Innovation, Entrepreneurship In Housing Delivery
-
Maritime23 hours agoMOWCA Partners Indonesian Govt For Maritime Capacity Development
