Metro

Navy Deploys Armed Drones In N’Delta To Combat Oil Theft

Published

8 months ago

December 30, 2024

The Nigerian Navy is set to deploy armed fighter drones to intensify efforts against illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

According to the Navy, these advanced drones will penetrate remote areas where illicit activities thrive, which conventional drones have struggled to access.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony of ‘Operation Delta Sanity 2’ at the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder Jetty in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Ogalla explained that Operation Delta Sanity 2 builds upon the initial Operation Delta Sanity launched in January 2024 to curb economic sabotage.

“In January 2024, the Nigerian Navy launched a Special Maritime Security Operation in the Niger Delta codenamed Operation DELTA SANITY.

“The special operation was designed to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities to ensure a secure maritime domain for increased economic activities in line with the President, Commander-in-Chief’s agenda for national economic prosperity and poverty eradication in Nigeria,” Ogalla said.

He highlighted the operation’s achievements, including the arrest of numerous vessels and suspects involved in oil theft, as well as the deactivation of several illegal refining sites.

“These successes led to significant improvements in legitimate activities in the maritime environment and increased Nigeria’s daily crude oil production, with several oil companies reporting 100 per cent terminal factor.

“The operation also strengthened partnerships with law enforcement and oil regulating agencies, as well as other stakeholders operating under the framework of the Harmonised Standing Operating Procedure for Arrest, Detention, and Prosecution of Vessels and Persons.

“A whole-of-society approach is required to fight maritime crimes, especially oil theft, for increased oil production in Nigeria,” Ogalla stated.

Ogalla further announced plans to enhance the operation for greater efficiency.

“Notwithstanding the successes recorded, the Nigerian Navy intends to rejig Operation DELTA SANITY to achieve better results.

“Rejigging the operation will involve improved deployment of Maritime Domain Awareness infrastructure, increased aerial surveillance using our newly acquired air assets.

“It will also involve Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, increased intelligence gathering for enhanced situational awareness, and efficient maritime security operations. Armed drones, set to join the service soon, will be pivotal to this effort.

“Some areas are difficult to penetrate, even for our smallest drones. We require armed attack drones to reach and deactivate illegal operations in these locations.

“The operation will incorporate non-kinetic measures to consolidate previous successes and improve collaboration with stakeholders in line with enacted Standard Operating Procedures.

“The goal is to ensure sustained crude oil production exceeding two million barrels per day, in line with the President, Commander-in-Chief’s directives,” he added.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, who was the Special Guest of Honour, expressed concern over attacks on the Trans Niger Pipeline transporting crude to Bonny Export Terminal in Rivers State.

Lokpobiri commended the Navy and other security agencies for their efforts, which have led to increased oil production.

“When I became Minister, we were producing barely a million barrels per day. Today, we are producing 1.8 million barrels per day, and our target is to reach three million barrels by 2025.

“The Trans-Niger Pipeline presents significant challenges as it is a hotspot for crude oil theft and vandalism,” Lokpobiri said.

However, he expressed optimism about the new operation.

“I believe that with this development, we will address the problem, leading to increased oil production and revenue for the government at all levels.

“This will enable President Bola Tinubu’s administration to finance critical infrastructure projects across the country. It is fundamental to our economic growth,” Lokpobiri noted.

He emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration to sustain the fight and assured continued government support for security agencies.

“I see the target of three million barrels next year as achievable. The President has mandated us to make it happen,” Lokpobiri added.

Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, highlighted the operation’s achievements since January.

“Since its inception, a total of 215 suspects have been arrested, and approximately 468 illegal refinery sites were deactivated.

“Furthermore, 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were seized and appropriately handled.

“Additionally, 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits, and 279 storage tanks were deactivated, while 26 vessels were arrested,” Akinwande said.

Metro

Truck Crushes Man Rushing For Jumu’ah Prayers In Rivers

Published

3 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

A trailer loaded with goods has crushed a Muslim faithful rushing for Friday prayers to death in Port Harcourt.

According to Vanguard, the tragic incident happened on the ever-busy Nkpolu junction axis of the East-West road, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, around 2:05 pm.

It was gathered that the victim was crossing the busy road when a black SUV on speed knocked him down and that the truck, which was on high speed, crushed him to death.

A source, who witnessed the incident, narrated that the young man was behind some of his Muslim brothers, who were also going for the Friday prayers, when the incident happened.

The source, who gave his name simply as Tunde, said the other worshipers had crossed, but that the victim, who did not observe the traffic very well before entering the road, was knocked down by the vehicle.

The source said that when the SUV brought him down, a trailer that was on the speed lane ran over him, dismembering the body beyond recognition.

However, the Muslim faithful who were with him took over the highway in protest until police operatives arrived at the scene.

Meanwhile, the police restored normalcy while the protesting Muslims took the remains for burial.

Metro

Three Killed As Suspected Bandits Ambush Motorists In Kwara

Published

13 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have allegedly launched a deadly attack on motorists along the Rore and Aranorin communities in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving at least three people dead.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, threw residents and travellers into a state of panic as news of the killings spread across the area.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the victims were seen lying lifeless on the roadside, their bodies partially covered with clothing and leaves by sympathisers who arrived at the scene after the attackers had fled.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the armed men, believed to be operating from hideouts in nearby forests, opened fire on the unsuspecting motorists in what appeared to be a coordinated ambush.

It remains unclear whether the attackers also abducted any victims during the assault, as details were still emerging as of Friday morning.

The attack is the latest in a growing wave of violence that has gripped Kwara State’s Ifelodun and Irepodun local government areas in recent months.

Communities such as Babanla, Shegbe, Ologomo, Alabe, and Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government have faced repeated attacks, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their ancestral homes.

Many victims have been kidnapped for ransom, while others have been killed in similar raids.

Residents expressed fears that the violence could escalate further unless urgent security measures are taken.

Some community leaders have called on both the state and federal governments to deploy more security personnel to the affected areas, noting that many villages have been left vulnerable as attacks continue unabated.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incident.

However, sources indicate that security operatives have been mobilised to the area to prevent further violence and reassure residents.

On August 24, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that hours after Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq visited Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of improved security, suspected bandits abducted two people in the area.

The governor visited the area to reassure residents and restore a sense of security amid ongoing fears of banditry and kidnappings.

However, the criminals struck soon after his departure, highlighting the persistent threat and heightening tension in the community.

The incident reportedly threw residents into fresh panic despite earlier promises of tighter security measures.

Metro

Suspected Amasiri Warriors Invade Ebonyi Community, Behead Farmer Amid Land Dispute

Published

13 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

Tragedy struck on Tuesday, August 26, at Okporojo Idima, Oso Edda in the Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as armed warriors from neighbouring Amasiri community reportedly invaded the farmland of one Mr. Dike Nnachi, beheaded him, and took his head away as a trophy.

The attack marks a continuation of violent hostilities in the area, coming barely four months after the April invasion in which at least four people, including a pregnant woman and her 12-year-old son, were brutally killed.

That incident also left property worth millions of naira destroyed.

Residents told reporters that the latest killing has deepened fears across Oso Edda, as locals now question the effectiveness of the state government’s ongoing peace efforts.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, had, through the Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, initiated dialogue between warring communities to stem the tide of violence.

However, Tuesday’s bloodshed is seen as a direct challenge to those peace moves.

Community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that unless decisive action is taken, the violence could escalate further, leaving more lives and property in jeopardy.

In April, renewed violence broke out over a longstanding land dispute between Ndukwe community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and Okporojo in Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The hostilities left houses and properties worth millions of naira destroyed, as attackers, reportedly from Amasiri, launched assaults on Okporojo.

The worsening security situation forced many residents of Edda to abandon the Amasiri road, opting instead to travel through Afikpo town due to fear of further attacks.

Although previous administrations attempted to resolve the crisis, including the release of a white paper based on a government committee’s recommendations, implementation has reportedly stalled, allowing the conflict to fester and violence to recur.