Metro

Troops Dismantle 13 Illegal Bunkering Sites In Edo, Delta, Rivers, Confiscate 300,000 Litres Of Stolen Products

Published

8 months ago

January 26, 2025

As part of its ongoing crackdown on oil theft, troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) have dismantled 13 illegal bunkering sites and confiscated over 300,000 litres of stolen crude products across the Niger Delta.

The anti-crude operations, conducted from January 20 to 26, 2025, in Edo, Delta, and Rivers states, resulted in the demobilization of four boats, deactivation of more than 150 locally made ovens, and the arrest of 15 oil thieves. The operations were carried out through a series of raids and interceptions across the states.

In Edo State, troops discovered a large pool of stolen crude oil, estimated at 252,000 litres, at Ugo Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area. Further investigation led to the recovery of a pumping machine, hose, and pipes.

In Delta State, a 30,000-litre capacity DAF Tanker Truck was intercepted while siphoning crude from a pipeline in a bush. The truck had already siphoned over 15,000 litres of stolen crude before it was apprehended.

In Rivers State, the operations resulted in the confiscation of over 10,000 litres of stolen crude, particularly along the Imo River corridor. Troops also discovered an illegal refining site along Odagwa, where a pump-action gun was recovered during a follow-up operation.

Additionally, three illegal refining sites were dismantled in a cluster at the Obiafu Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, where 10 cooking drums, two rolls of hose, and eight reservoirs were seized. In Abalama Community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, concealed jerrycans filled with illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were uncovered.

The Nigerian Army’s efforts to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism have yielded positive results. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, reassured that the days of criminal elements masquerading as economic saboteurs are numbered. He also advised these criminals to embrace legitimate means of livelihood or face a renewed onslaught.

This operation was conducted by troops from the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other sister services, demonstrating the army’s commitment to protecting the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure.

Metro

Fire Guts Section Of Rivers Secretariat

Published

3 hours ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

A section of the Rivers State Secretariat was on Monday evening gutted by fire, leaving parts of the complex damaged before it was brought under control.

The fire, which reportedly started a few minutes past 5 p.m., was contained through the swift response of the Rivers State Fire Service.

Eyewitnesses said the blaze spread rapidly before firefighters arrived at the scene to extinguish it, preventing further damage to nearby offices.

Although the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that an electrical fault may have triggered the incident.

The Rivers State Head of Service, Inyingi Brown, also attributed the outbreak to an electrical fault, urging workers to ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off before leaving the office.

An unconfirmed source indicated that the fire may have affected the state Pension Commission, though the extent of the damage remains unclear.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the full impact of the incident as investigations continue.

Metro

18-year-old Hangs Self, Police Launch Investigation

Published

1 day ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of an 18-year-old identified as Tersoo Veregh, who allegedly took his own life in Makurdi, the state capital.

According to Zagazola Makama, the deceased’s father, Mr. Veregh Nathaniel, of Iorkyaako Street, High Level area of Makurdi, made the tragic discovery around 2:00 a.m. on October 4, when he stepped out of his room to ease himself and found his son hanging from the ceiling.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Makurdi, led a team of detectives to the scene. The body was photographed and later taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary.

Police authorities said an investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Metro

Police Intercept Illicit Drugs, Recover Pistols In Delta

Published

1 day ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected illicit drugs.

The truck, with registration number 3BGT 18LG, driven by one Dennis Uruma, a 52-year-old man from Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State, was intercepted by a patrol team of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Asaba, led by Commander SP Danyaya Yunusa.

The operation was conducted in synergy with the Office of the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Illicit Drugs and Human Trafficking.

The driver was arrested after the search, while the counting and measurement of the exhibits are ongoing.

In another development, on October 3, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, led by Commander CSP Nosa Alex, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout around the Basket Market area of Asaba.

During the operation, three suspects, Rabbi Godwin, 25, Lucky Nanakumo, 20, and David Igwe, 19, were arrested.

A search of the location yielded one fabricated Beretta pistol, which was recovered and secured as evidence.

Again, on October 1, 2025, the DPO ‘B’ Division, Asaba, CSP Edewor Akponegware, led his surveillance team in a swift response to a distress report about a robbery incident around the BONSAAC axis of Asaba, where a female victim was dispossessed of her phone and other valuables at gunpoint by two male suspects.

Working with local vigilantes, the team established a discreet cordon and began a methodical sweep of adjoining streets.

The coordinated push paid off when officers intercepted one suspect, Amara Nwako, 21, a male indigene of Oko, while his accomplice fled into an uncompleted building.

A locally made pistol was recovered during a search of the immediate vicinity. Preliminary findings revealed a possible cult affiliation linking the suspect to a certain Arobaga secret cult.

According to Bright Edafe, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, all the suspects remain in custody, while a manhunt is underway for the fleeing accomplice.

(DAILY POST)