Metro

Navy Goes After Sponsors Of Oil Bunkering In Rivers

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2023

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has vowed that it would go after those who sponsor oil theft and illegal refining of petroleum products in Rivers State.

This was as the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder said it has destroyed a 3million litres capacity illegal refinery, with six refining camps in Cawthorne channels 1 and 2 in Degema LGA of Rivers State.

It was gathered that oil thieves operating in Degema LGA had installed a six inch pipeline running over 2km from an oil wellhead to the 3million litres capacity reservoir which distributes crude to the six illegal refining camps in the area.

The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Igbo, who conducted some newsmen around illegal camp, noted that the thieves steal the crude from a wellhead in Oil Mining Lease, OML18, operated by Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL and Sahara Energy.

Igbo said the Navy would go after those who sponsor the illegal activities, adding that modalities were on going to engage community stakeholders for dialogue to end oil theft.

He said: “We are engaging the community stakeholders to talk to their youth from engaging in oil theft. When I resumed command, all the Community leaders, Paramount rulers, have been visited and I have also told them to call their youths to order because the oil thieves can not do this without the connivance of the youths. We have told them to refrain from that and look for alternative ways to earn a living.

“We are yet to make any arrest because the place is an open place, so the hoodlums fled on sighting us, but we are going to trace them and trace those who are sponsoring them because they cannot come here without having big people behind them to sponsor them. We will put down our intelligences in action and make such we trace their sponsors.

“This is not the best way to earn a living. There are so many ways to earn a living instead of damaging the environment and also they are depriving the Federal Government of the needed revenue.”

Igbo said oil theft was not only and economic sabotage but destroys the environment, adding that Navy would fight the menace to a standstill.

He said “Here is NNPCL OML 18 oil well head that is being tapped with a 6 inches hose connected to the well head by oil thieves.

“The hose runs for about 2 kilometres from the wellhead to their reservoir and thereafter channel it to their cooking pots. This is a clear case of economic sabotage.

“My men, the Tactical Assault Squadron of Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder on our patrol in the creeks discovered the site yesterday, (Tuesday) and we are here to ensure that this does not continue anymore.

“Also, this is in compliance and pursuit of the Chief of Naval Staff’s, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, directives to his field Commanders, that we must ensure that the issue of oil theft in Niger Delta becomes history and eradicated at least to the barest minimum.”
VANGUARD

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

17 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
‎
Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
‎
The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
‎
‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
‎
‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
‎
He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
‎

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.