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NSCDC Parades 10 Oil Thieves, Impounds Nine Cars In Rivers

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Seizes wooden boat, 28,225 litres of diesel

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it took delivery of 10 suspects allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering and vandalism in Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Corps said of the ten suspects, five were arrested by the 29 Battalion Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four cylinders, and exhibits and handed over to the Rivers State Command of the NSCDC Command in Port Harcourt

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The other five suspects were arrested for alleged illegal bunkering by soldiers of the 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and handed over to the NSCDC for further investigation.

The NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command, Basil Igwebueze disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Lost N2.3tn Revenue To Oil Theft in 12 Months — IOC

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Igwebueze, also disclosed that NSCDC operatives on routine patrol impounded nine vehicles abandoned by suspects who are on the Command’s trail along the Trans-Amadi axis of Port Harcourt.

He stated, “The following five suspects: Aniebiet Pascal, 22, Nnadi Ogbonna, 23, Ifeayin Delight, 25, Sunday Benjamin, 22, and Okechukwu Finbar, 20, were apprehended by 29 Battalion Nigerian Army port Harcourt with 44 metal pipes, four Cylinders containing Nitrogen Gas, one wooden boat with 25 horsepower engine along Kryo Community near Alakiri waterways in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“In another development, five other suspects were also arrested with three Motorcycles, two Wheelbarrows filled with Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), and a 1,000-meter large Industrial Pumping Hose.

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“They were arrested and handed over to NSCDC Rivers State Command by 6 military intelligence Headquarters, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

READ ALSO: Ondo: NSCDC Arrests Pastor Over Alleged N1.6m Visa Scam

Continuing, Igwebueze said, “The Antivandal Unit of the Command while on routine patrol at Mother Cat roundabout, Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt also impounded the following vehicles being abandoned by suspects who are currently being trailed by our undercover personnel.”

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He listed the vehicles as ‘a Gold Colour Toyota Camry with number plate Rivers AJ 770 DBU laden with illegally refined AGO concealed in cellophane bags, a White and Black Futon Bus Registered as EBONYI XA 637BKL laden with 8 plastic drums of illegally refined AGO. ‘

The State NSCDC boss also said while on routine patrol its Antivandal Unit further impounded seven cars, including, a Gold Colour Toyota Avalon Camry with registration number ABIA 573 RA, a light Green Toyota Camry LAGOS LND 926 AP.

Others, Igwebueze, disclosed are, ‘a Black Toyota Avalon Camry LAGOS EKY 487 DA, an Ash colour Toyota Corolla with number plate RIVERS GGU 240 AA, a Toyota Avalon Camry LAGOS APP 330 DE, a Navy Blue Toyota Avalon Camry Car with registration number AKWA IBOM KET 62 AV, a Navy Blue Toyota Avalon Camry Car Lagos AKD 938 AV.

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READ ALSO: UK Establishes Visa Centre In Enugu, Govt Reacts

According to him, all the cars were laden with illegally refined Diesel concealed in cellophane bags.

He added, “We also impounded 15 drums of AGO, 26 concealed sacks filled with AGO, and 11 Kegs (25 litres each) of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).”

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While noting that a thorough investigation has commenced, the State NSCDC helmsman said the suspects would be charged to Court, while the products and means of conveyance would be forfeited and proceeds remitted into the federal government coffer.

The PUNCH reports that Igwebueze warned those he described as ‘unrepentant’ illegal oil thieves to turn over a new leaf or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

Igwebueze reiterated the corps’ willingness to collaborate with sister security agencies, stressing that the NSCDC would not rest on its laurels in safeguarding all critical national assets and Infrastructures in the state.

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UNICEF Advocates Six Months Maternity Leave From Working Mothers In Bauchi

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi state government to initiate a six months paid maternity leave to working mothers in the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, stated this in a news conference in Bauchi on Tuesday to market the 2025 breastfeeding week.

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According to her, the six months maternity leave would help the mothers to initiate the six months exclusive breastfeeding for their children and help in improving their health status in general.

“We really need the state government, the health system to play their roles to support the mothers.

“If the state government has a policy for six months paid maternity leave, that would play a huge role in the better nutritional status of children and initiation of exclusive six months breastfeeding for the mothers.

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READ ALSO: UNICEF, U-Report Build Capacity Of Youth Advocates On Child-Friendly Budgeting

“Staying with the child automatically ensures better care and hygiene of the child, making them free from diarrhea which is one of the major causes of malnutrition,” she said.

Rafique added that unless women were fully supported, it would be difficult for them to do the right things like initiate breastfeeding on time, continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and initiate complementary breastfeeding till 24 months.

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She, however, called on the state government to also come up with breastfeeding corners for working mothers to feed their children after resumption from the six months maternity leave.

Rafique said that if mothers didn’t have a good private place to feed their children, it would be difficult for them to continue feeding by working, performing and contributing towards the state’s progress and the country at large.

READ ALSO: UNICEF, U-Report Build Capacity Of Youth Advocates On Child-Friendly Budgeting

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These are the foundation for having a healthy, intelligent, productive next generation.

“There is a formula we need to promote which is one, six and 24.

“One means that the first hour of the baby must be initiated with breastfeeding, six means that a child must be exclusively breastfed for a good six months and then the initiation of complementary feeding along with the continuation of breastfeeding till 24 months,” she explained.

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Earlier speaking, Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist in Bauchi, revealed that over 15 states have extended paid maternity leave to working mothers across the country like Kebbi, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau among others.

READ ALSO: How UNICEF’s Initiative Changes Narrative Of Access To Healthcare Services In Bauchi

We want the media to help us amplify the benefits of breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding both to the mother, the child and even the society at large,” she said.

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On his part, Mr Abubakar Sale, the Bauchi state Nutrition Officer, appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state in terms of improving the healthy living of pregnant women and children, not only on nutrition but other aspects of health.

The government is trying its best to see to the improvement in especially exclusive breastfeeding and other nutrition indicators in the state.

“We are doing our part together with other partners and media practitioners are very important to amplify or inform the members of the society the importance of exclusive breastfeeding so that in our next survey, we will be able to improve,” he said.

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Tinubu Gives D’Tigress $100,000 Each, Flats, National Honour

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President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew.

Tinubu also rewarded all team members and staff with a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate.

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In addition, the President conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.

The triumphant D’Tigress alongside their officials, were warmly welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, at the New Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa at 5:05 pm.

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On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima received the team in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Falcons

Also in attendance at the reception were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.

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The D’Tigress arrived after clinching their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, outplaying Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This win marks their seventh overall championship, reinforcing their supremacy in African women’s basketball.

The ceremony at the Presidential Villa mirrors a similar reception President Tinubu hosted a week earlier for the national female football team, the Super Falcons, who recently secured their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.

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Tinubu’s remarks, delivered by Shettima at the reception noted, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.

“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.

READ ALSO:Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory

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“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”

The President hailed Rena Wakama’s strength and inspiring young girls in the country.

“Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.

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“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.

“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”

Tinubu said the administration is prioritizing sports as a crucial driver of national development and economic growth, viewing it as more than entertainment but also infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a tool for youth employment and transformation.

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READ ALSO:Gov Aiyedatiwa Gifts Ondo-born Super Falcons Player N30m, House

He also recognised the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for its efforts in athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-driven development, with visible positive results.

Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you. The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.

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“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.

“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.

“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.

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“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

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Step-by-step Guide For Checking 2025 WASSCE Results

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Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results on Monday, the West African Examinations Council has provided a step-by-step guide to help candidates access their results online.

To check your results, candidates are required to visit the official result portal at http://waecdirect.org and follow the instructions carefully.

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Here is the step-by-step guide for checking 2025 WASSCE results.

READ ALSO:WAEC Releases 2025 WASSCE Results

Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 7-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 4123456789).
For examination year < 1999, enter your 8-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 5-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 19865001)
Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2002
Select the Type of Examination
Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up

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