Crime
12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead
12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead
By: Michael Mike
A maritime tragedy has struck off the South African coastline after a Nigerian tugboat, LEO, sank in turbulent waters late Saturday night, leaving one crew member confirmed dead, five missing, and 12 others rescued in a coordinated emergency response.
The vessel, which had travelled to South Africa for repairs, was reportedly heading back to Lagos with 18 persons onboard when it ran into severe storm conditions about 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban. The rough seas forced the tug aground before it eventually went under.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development on Monday, stating that the South African authorities had formally notified the Nigerian government.
According to her, one fatality has been recorded, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for five crew members who remain unaccounted for.
“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,” the minister said, adding that the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is leading rescue efforts. She disclosed that survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are en route to receive them and provide consular support.
Maritime sources indicate that the southern corridor between Cape Town and Durban is notorious for sudden weather shifts and heavy swells, conditions that can quickly overwhelm vessels — particularly those navigating after mechanical servicing.
While the immediate focus remains on locating the missing crew members, questions are expected to arise regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness, the intensity of the storm, and whether distress signals were transmitted in time to facilitate rescue.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is reportedly working closely with local authorities to support survivors and liaise with families back home, as anxiety mounts over the fate of the missing.
As search operations continue against the backdrop of unpredictable seas, the incident underscores the persistent risks faced by maritime operators navigating some of the world’s most volatile shipping routes.
Further details are expected as South African authorities provide updates on rescue efforts and investigative findings.
12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Confirmed Dead
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition in Failed ISWAP Reconnaissance Operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 68 Battalion, Mallam Fatori, have recovered one AK-47 rifle and 31 rounds of ammunition during an operation against suspected ISWAP elements in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:07 a.m. on June 11 when troops observed the movement of two ISWAP reconnaissance teams ahead of their defensive area of responsibility.
According to the sources, an ambush team was immediately deployed to flank the suspected terrorists, but the insurgents fled upon sighting the troops and opened fire while escaping.
Following an exploitation of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources added that follow-up operations were ongoing to track the fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of movement within the general area.
Military authorities said the operation was part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist reconnaissance activities and strengthen security across the Lake Chad axis.
They reaffirmed commitment to maintaining pressure on insurgent groups until they are fully degraded.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle, Ammunition in Failed ISWAP Reconnaissance Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested a suspected criminal linked to the killing of more than 50 cattle belonging to Fulani herders in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said that the suspect was arrested at about 4:30 a.m. on Thursday following credible intelligence on his whereabouts.
According to the sources, troops of 4 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Uromi apprehended the suspect at his residence in Oloshi Main Town.
The suspect had reportedly been on the run since May 31, when he allegedly led an attack that resulted in the killing of over 50 cattle in the Oloshi general area.
The sources said the arrest was made after sustained efforts by security agencies to track down those involved in the incident.
Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the attack.
Troops Arrest Suspect Over Killing of More Than 50 Cattle in Edo
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducting an ongoing operation in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno have arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles from them.
Sources involved in the operation disclosed on Friday that the suspects were apprehended during a targeted security operation ahead of Magumeri town.
According to the sources, the operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 assault rifles believed to have been used by the suspects in criminal activities within the area.
The sources further revealed that preliminary interrogation of the suspects had yielded valuable intelligence that could assist security agencies in tracking and arresting other members of the kidnapping network.
“The suspects have provided useful information that can aid further operations and lead to the arrest of additional members of the criminal syndicate,” the source said.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping and other criminal networks operating in parts of Borno State.
Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the operation, while investigations and follow-up actions are continuing.
Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Two AK-47 Rifles in Magumeri Borno
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