Metro

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

Published

1 year 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

Violence Rocks APC Reps Primary In Ekiti Ward, Exercise Declared Inconclusive

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted at the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary for Ward 10, Fajuyi Pavilion, Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday.

Electoral officials halted the process and declared it inconclusive after violence broke out among party supporters.

The primary pitted Olushola Fatoba against Tope Ogunleye, widely known as RST. Loyalists and agents of both aspirants had converged on Fajuyi Pavilion before voting was scheduled to begin.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions rose when suspected thugs allegedly backing Fatoba stormed the venue wielding canes and firearms. Their arrival appeared aimed at intimidating Ogunleye’s supporters and suppressing turnout.

Despite the hostile atmosphere, Ogunleye’s backers held their ground, chanting solidarity songs in support of their candidate. Voting eventually started under heavy tension.

Observers at the scene said Ogunleye seemed to have the larger share of support among members present, with his base visibly outnumbering the opposition.

Violence broke out after Fatoba’s camp allegedly sensed an imminent loss. Clashes between both groups forced an abrupt end to voting.

During the unrest, Ogunleye’s agent, Mr. Sunday, was assaulted. Another member, Mr. Femi Ogunleye, was reportedly beaten and his Tecno Spark 9 phone seized. A female supporter, Mrs. Oluwaseun Osamuwa, was also attacked and her Apple Smart Wrist Watch stolen. Both Mr. Femi Ogunleye and Mrs. Osamuwa sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital.

As of press time, no winner had emerged and the Ward 10 primary remained inconclusive.

The violence has renewed concerns over thuggery and intimidation in internal party elections. Party members and political observers say the incident raises serious questions about voters’ ability to freely choose candidates without fear.

Stakeholders are calling on security agencies and electoral authorities to probe the disruption, ensure justice for those attacked, and safeguard the credibility of future primaries.

Metro

My Wife Destroyed My Property, Instigated Our Children To Beat Me, Man Tells Court

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Editor

The Grade A Customary Court, Court 2, sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has delivered judgment in a divorce suit filed by a man, Theophilus, against his wife, Aina, whom she accused of lack of affection, frequent quarrels, and domestic violence.

According to Theophilus, Aina was stubborn and always insisted on having things her own way.

He further said that she was disobedient and refused to listen to him.

The plaintiff also told the court that the defendant was hostile towards their friends and neighbours, which often led to conflicts between them.

He further claimed that Aina was violent and would attack him with any object within her reach during disagreements.

In addition, he accused her of destroying his property whenever they had differences.

Theophilus also explained that Aina turned their children against him.

He stated that they assaulted him and damaged his belongings.

He told the court that he eventually left their home because he feared for his safety and believed that the defendant intended to harm him.

The plaintiff therefore appealed to the court to dissolve their marriage and also requested an order restraining Aina from threatening him or interfering with his privacy.

Aina was absent from court despite being served court summons.

Theophilus, while giving his testimony before the court, stated, “I have not enjoyed peace or rest of mind since I married my wife.

“I paid her bride price to her family, but they rejected it.

“My wife is far from being a virtuous woman.

“She was never submissive and was always full of herself.

“She had no respect for me and disobeyed my instructions whenever she wished.

“She neither listened to me nor accepted my advice.

“My wife was also violent.

“During disagreements, she attacked me with any dangerous object she could lay her hands on.

“On three different occasions, Aina destroyed my property.

“Our neighbours and friends were not exempt from her hostility.

“She was constantly at loggerheads with them and fought with them on several occasions.

“My wife also turned our children against me.

“They beat me mercilessly and nearly killed me.

“They also destroyed my belongings.

“I left the house after the incident because it became obvious that my wife wanted me dead.

“I came to court to seek the dissolution of our marriage because my wife’s presence in my life has brought me nothing but pain and suffering.

“I sincerely appeal to the court to dissolve our marriage.

“I also request an order restraining her from threatening me or interfering with my privacy.”

The Court President, Mrs. O. E. Owoseni, while delivering judgment, stated that there was no valid marriage to dissolve because no marital rites were performed, and no bride price was paid.

Owoseni also issued an order restraining the defendant from threatening or interfering with the plaintiff’s private life

Metro

‘I Have Nowhere To Go, He Married Me At 14yrs Old, Now He Wants Divorce 30yrs After’

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2026

Editor

A 44-year-old woman, Zainab Isah, has told a Shari’a Court 1 sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna, Kaduna State, that she had nowhere to go after her divorce from her husband, Alhaji Abdulhamid.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Zainab told the court that Abdulhamid married her when she was 14 years old.

“I have been married to him for 30 years now and our union is blessed with 10 children,” she stated.

She further said that her husband divorced her on January 1.

“I am yet to complete my waiting period (Iddah), as required under Islam.

“I lived in peace with my co-wives but I can’t leave my children for them; three of my children are sick,” she said.

Earlier , Abdulrashid Musa, counsel to Abdulhamid, prayed the court to compel Zainab to leave his house since they were no longer married.

He said he had issued two pronouncement of divorce to the defendant.

The first, he said was pronounced on December 29, 2025, adding that she had finished her Iddah.

He stated that all efforts made by him to ensure she leaves his house, failed.

He alleged that she was causing trouble for his other wives.

The complainant however, told the court that he was ready to pay for his ex wife’s rent when she gets a new place to live with her children.

The judge, Malam Mu’awiya Shehu said the rights of a woman for shelter, feeding and other provisions by the husband ends when divorce occur adding that only the children have the right to be taken care of .

He adjourned the matter to June 1 for the defendant to find a new place she can relocate to with her children.