JUST IN; 35 Oil thieves arrested in four States by Security Operatives
JUST IN; 35 Oil thieves arrested in four States by Security Operatives
The Nigerian Army says it has arrested 35 suspected oil thieves accused of operating illegal refineries and breaking into pipelines to siphon crude oil across four Niger Delta states.
The states are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.
Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman of the Nigerian Army 6 Division, Port Harcourt, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
He also stated that troops destroyed 58 illegal artisanal refineries and seized about 11,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 355,000 litres of adulterated diesel during the raids.
“The operations were conducted between Oct 21 and Oct 27 as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate oil theft and illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region.
“In Rivers, troops dismantled 22 illegal refineries and confiscated 131,500 litres of illegally refined diesel, 10,300 litres of condensates, and two wooden boats.
“Six suspected oil thieves were apprehended during operations in Akuku-Toru, Ahoada East, Degema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas (LGA), as well as in Obiofo Oil Field, Odagwa and Imo River,” he said.
In Akwa Ibom, Danjuma reported that troops achieved notable successes, dismantling 34 illegal refining sites and arresting 27 suspects across various communities.
Items seized included 215,000 litres of adulterated diesel, 19 wooden boats, nine vehicles, and 20 nylon bags used to store petroleum products.
“In Delta, we arrested two suspected oil thieves and seized 1,200 litres of crude oil, 16 cellophane bags, two wooden boats, and one vehicle in Warri South and Ethiope West LGAs.
“Operations in Bayelsa led to the destruction of two illegal refining sites and the seizure of 8,500 litres of diesel and 10,000 litres of stolen crude oil.
“At least seven wooden boats were confiscated, and three vandals were arrested during the raids in Ekeremor, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa Local Government Areas,” Danjuma added. (NAN)
The approval is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Awwal Manu-Dogondaji, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
According to the statement, civil servants in the state will now work from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.
It added that normal working hours would resume after Ramadan.
Manu-Dogondaji urged citizens to remain steadfast in prayers for lasting peace and stability in Kebbi and Nigeria.
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has also approved reduction of working hours for state civil servants to honour the 2025 Ramadan fast.
The approval is in a statement signed by the state’s Head of Service, Mr Muhammad Dagaceri, on Tuesday in Dutse.
He stated that “civil servants in the state will report to the office at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays, throughout the Ramadan period.
“On Fridays, the civil servants will report at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.’’
The head of service explained that the gesture is to provide opportunities for civil servants to fully engage in spiritual activities associated with the holy month.
“It is hoped that civil servants in the state will use the Ramadan period to pray for God’s guidance and blessings for our state and the country in general,” Dagaceri added.
Muslims worldwide have started observing the 29 or 30 days of the fasting month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Lunar calendar.
While observing the dawn-to-dusk fast, Muslims are to refrain from eating, drinking and intimate activities throughout the period.
Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad, more than 1,400 years ago.(NAN)
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7 armed robbery suspects arrested by Police operatives,firearms, ammunitions recovered
7 armed robbery suspects arrested by Police operatives,firearms, ammunitions recovered
The Police Command in Enugu State, says it has arrested seven suspects for alleged armed robbery and conspiracy.
The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.
Ndukwe said that the suspects were apprehended by detectives attached to the command’s Criminal Investigation Department.
He explained that the arrest of the suspects followed credible intelligence and response to a report received at the Unity Police Division.
He added that exhibits which include firearms, ammunition, machetes and other alleged stolen items were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, on Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 respectively, the Unity Police Division received a report that suspected armed robbers invaded and robbed some residents of Ibagwa-Nike community in Enugu of their valuables.
“Upon the transfer of the case, detective from the state’s CID attached to the Anti-Robbery (D9) Section immediately launched an intelligence-guided investigation, leading to the apprehension of the seven suspects.
”One pump-action gun, two locally-made pistols, two live cartridges and two machetes, were recovered from the suspects.
”Also recovered were SIM cards, Identity cards, clothes, supplement drugs and other robbed items, which the owners have identified.”
The spokesman said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be arraigned in court once investigations were concluded.
Ndukwe quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, as reiterating the command’s determination to significantly reduce crime in the state.
Uzuegbu said this however required the continuous contribution and unwavering support of residents.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and steadfast in supporting the police. (NAN)
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Demonstrators hit the Streets as Husband allegedly murders pregnant Wife
Demonstrators hit the Streets as Husband allegedly murders pregnant Wife
A group of women, united under the banner of Concerned Market Women, took to the streets of Benin City on Monday to stage a peaceful protest, voicing their outrage over the brutal killing of 38-year-old housewife, Success Izekor.
The rally, held in the heart of the city, condemned the tragic death of Izekor, who was allegedly murdered by her husband, Kelvin Izekor, in an act of domestic violence.
Success Izekor, who was four months pregnant, met her untimely death on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at their home on No. 50, Upper Mission Road, Benin City.
Reports suggest she was fatally stabbed by her husband in what has been described as a senseless and violent act.
The women, armed with placards bearing powerful messages, gathered in solidarity to raise awareness about the rising tide of domestic violence and to demand justice for Success.
Their slogans echoed across the streets, decrying the growing menace of abuse faced by women within their homes.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Odion Asemota, a representative of the group, made a passionate appeal to the government and the judicial system to ensure that justice is served for the late Success Izekor.
According to Asemota although Success’s husband is currently being probed, his mother is reportedly boasting that she will be freed on the grounds of mental illness.
“We cannot allow the life of a woman to be discounted simply because of a potential legal loophole,” Asemota stated.
“We are demanding justice, and we will continue to stand for it until Success Izekor’s death is rightfully addressed.”
“This was a man who married Success in June last year, and just eight months later, he stabbed her to death while she was four months pregnant.
“After killing her on Saturday night, he went to her store on Sunday and took the money she used for her Point of Sale (POS) business.
“He even attempted to secretly dispose of her body on Sunday, but neighbours caught him,” she alleged.
The Edo State Police Command had before now confirmed the murder of Success Izekor, with a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu.
Yamu disclosed that authorities were alerted to the tragic incident involving Kelvin Izekor, who had reportedly killed his wife, Success Izekor.
He further revealed that the suspect was on the verge of being attacked by an angry mob before police intervention.