Metro

NSCDC Busts Major Bunkering Operation In Rivers, Arrests Three

Published

2 years ago

May 28, 2024

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps said its operatives busted and dismantled a massive illegal refinery site and arrested three suspects in the Odagwa community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The security outfit said the operation which lasted for several hours, led to a site in the forest where the illegal siphoning of crude oil was taking place after the criminals destroyed the manifold of a multinational oil company.

The NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze disclosed this while speaking to newsmen at the scene in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Monday.

Igwebueze, who was represented by the corps’ spokesperson in the state, SP Olufemi Ayodele, said the operation was conducted by the Special Intelligence Squad codenamed ‘SIS’ of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar.

He said the CG emphasised the need to step up the operational and intelligence mechanism in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure across the country.

He equally noted that Abubakar has an unwavering determination in waging continuous war against illegal dealings in petroleum products, oil theft, vandalism of oil pipelines, and all forms of economic sabotage, saying, “Within a very short period, the CG’s SIS has dismantled over 350 illegal bunkering sites in the Niger Delta area while hundreds of suspects have been arrested and prosecuted in the court of competent jurisdiction.”

He stated that “today, the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad swung into action and arrested three suspects while others took to their heels, manoeuvring the forest due to the terrain.”

He narrated how a large multinational’s manifold was invaded through a broken fence, and large industrial hoses were used to siphon crude oil and transmitted through numerous metal galvanised pipes to cooking pots and further stored in reservoirs for onward loading to would-be buyers. The massive illegal bunkering site was dismantled.

“Having walked through this thick forest, you have practically seen how the manifold and oil wellhead was vandalised by unscrupulous elements.

“They tapped into the source and buried the hoses and pipes underground, waiting for the multinationals to pump the crude. Immediately the pumping starts, they commence their nefarious operations through illegal local refining of crude to derive Automotive Gas Oil, DPK, and other products,” the state commandant said.

While answering questions on the reason for the continuous rebuilding of some illegal bunkering sites after being dismantled by security agencies, he said that the fight against illegal bunkering is a strategic war that must be fought with a collective will and consciousness, especially with the fact that such acts cause environmental degradation, pollination, and health hazard.

“To eradicate black soot, the locals and all stakeholders must come to terms to say no to the operation of illegal local refineries and other activities which cause more harm to the people and the environment as well.

“On this note, I wish to reiterate the words of the NSCDC boss that the fight against oil theft, vandalism, and illegal dealings in petroleum products is non-negotiable as the NSCDC is fully committed to its statutory mandate of safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure.

“We will do this relentlessly and without compromise,” Igwebueze added.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.

Metro

20-year-old Arrested For Allegedly Defiling Minor

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Bauchi State Police command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Bilal Ya’u, for allegedly defiling a six-year-old girl in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The girl’s father was said to have reported the incident at the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters on January 6, 2026.

The father said the suspect, who is their neighbour, lured his daughter into an uncompleted building on January 5 where he assaulted her.

Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement issued on Saturday stated that upon receipt of the report, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Kadiri Danjuma, visited the scene while the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination.

According to the him, the suspect who was later arrested confessed to committing the act during interrogation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a thorough investigation, after which the suspect will be profiled and charged to court.

According to DAILY POST, the incident is among a series of rape cases recorded in the area. Earlier, police arrested a 28-year-old man, Baffa’ji Abba, for allegedly raping his neighbour’s eight-year-old daughter in the same local government.

Metro

Panic In Benue Community Over Influx Of Armed Herdsmen

Published

2 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Fear has enveloped the Tyoshin community of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State over the large influx of suspected armed herdsmen into the area.

This was disclosed in a statement by the National President, Prof Patrick Ukase and Secretary, Prof John Ajai of the Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA).

The forum called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to address the development.

They expressed dismay over a statement by the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, who, in a viral video, stated that all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, including those from Gwer-West, had returned to their ancestral homes.

The FoTA described the statement as “false”, noting that it does not reflect the realities on the ground.

“The commissioner’s statement appears to be a figment of his imagination rather than a reflection of lived realities in affected communities. There are several villages in Gwer-West Local Government Area that residents cannot safely access,” it insisted.

“Many people have not returned to their homes due to fear of being attacked. Others are displaced but no longer stay in official camps; they are scattered across neighbouring communities, living with relatives or in temporary arrangements.

“To suggest that there are no longer Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State, particularly in Gwer-West LGA, under these conditions, gives a false picture of reality. It risks creating the impression that all is well when, in fact, many communities remain vulnerable and exposed,” the statement said.

FoTA said it is in possession several credible reports from residents that the herders were already encroaching on farmlands, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops.

The group said such development could be a prelude to attacks on vulnerable farmers, and it called on relevant authorities to act without delay.

“We wish to draw the attention of the Benue State Government, relevant security agencies and the general public to the renewed and increasing influx of armed Fulani herders into Gwer-West Local Government Area in large numbers.

“FoTA has received repeated reports from residents and farmers that the herders are already encroaching, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops. This is a clear indication that the herders are not here solely to graze but may pose a serious threat to residents,” it stated.

The forum said the situation is causing panic and anxiety in the community and not be treated with levity by the authorities.

“Gwer-West is one of the areas that has suffered greatly from continued herdsmen attacks, displacement and loss of livelihoods. FoTA is raising this concern at this early stage, not to inflame tensions, but to prevent a situation that could further worsen the community’s condition if ignored,” the group added.