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Nigeria: FG Renews War on Oil Bunkering, Commissions Eight Gunboats 

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Nigeria: FG Renews War on Oil Bunkering, Commissions Eight Gunboats 

Nigeria: FG Renews War on Oil Bunkering, Commissions Eight Gunboats 

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has commissioned eight gunboats to fight crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the country to a logical end.

A press statement by the spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu on Tuesday said “in her resolve to end the menace of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the nation, the Federal Government through the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has commissioned eight NSCDC gunboats to wage a full scale war against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”

He noted that the move became necessary to strengthen the combative capacity of NSCDC Anti Vandalism Squad in stemming the tide of huge revenue loss to the Federal Government in the oil sector.

Aregbesola, while performing the official inauguration of the gunboats in Port Harcourt, described the incidences of oil theft as an organized crime ridding the nation of accrued revenue running to million of dollars annually.

The Minister of Interior, said the country in recent past had recorded various occurrences of crude oil theft and reports has shown that the country loses million of dollars daily such that, of the 141 million barrels of oil produced in the 1st quarter of year 2022, only 132 million barrels of oil were received at export terminals; the aftermath results further reveal that over 9 million barrels of oil was lost to crude oil theft. 

He decried the negative impacts of crude oil theft and oil pipeline vandalism in the nation.

He however called on all security agencies to shun Inter-agency rivalries and synergize by supporting the fight against oil theft in order to salvage and rid the nation’s economy of saboteurs. 

The Minister further maintained that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as the lead agency in Safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure is mandated to use the available logistics provided by the Government to reduce crime rate and by extension take the war against crude oil theft to the camp of the enemies. 

The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, while extolling the role of Government in the provision of necessary logistics to enhance the fight against oil pipeline vandalism across the nation, affirmed that the eight newly commissioned gunboats will boost the morale of the Corps in combating the menace of crude oil theft along the waterways. 

Also Read: Gov. Buni Assures Support to Nigeria Correctional Service

He said: “The NSCDC is generally expected to effectively safeguard Critical Infrastructure and oil installations which are very central and vital to the socio-economic development of the nation.

“The Corps is saddled with the mandate to guard against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering through the provision of physical security to oil pipelines against vandalism.

“Therefore, any threat to the oil and gas sector is automatically considered as a high security concern owing to the debilitating effects it has on national development.”

He added that: “It also constitute environmental degradation, pollution, destruction of land and aquatic life, loss of means of livehood and drastic reduction in the inflow of foreign exchange needed to bolster the economy of the nation.”

He affirmed that a marching order has been issued to all Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and Heads of Antivandal Unit across formations to be battle ready with a renewed vigour to stamp out oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the nation. 

The CG reiterated the Corps’ determination and unwavering commitment to the war against illegal oil bunkering and assured the Government and the entire nation that the Gunboats would be distributed to states in the coastal region as the corps continue to collaborate with the military and other security agencies.

He enjoined Nigerians to assist security agencies in winning the war against the enemies of the nation by volunteering credible Intelligence and Information that could lead to possible arrest and prosecution of oil pipeline vandals and saboteurs of the nation’s economy.

Nigeria: FG Renews War on Oil Bunkering, Commissions Eight Gunboats 

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Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected terrorist scout during an ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:15 p.m. on June 6 by troops of the 73 Battalion (Main) following intelligence reports indicating the presence and movement of suspected terrorists around Malari village.

According to the sources, the troops deployed to the area and laid an ambush after receiving information suggesting that insurgents were massing within the vicinity.

During the operation, the troops reportedly observed an individual suspected to be conducting reconnaissance approaching from the direction of Malari village.

The sources said the suspect was challenged and ordered to stop but allegedly continued advancing toward the troops’ position.

The troops subsequently engaged the suspect, who was neutralised during the encounter.

The operation forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at preventing attacks on military positions and communities within the North-East region.

Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing surveillance and offensive operations across the area to deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 8 of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested a suspected kidnappers’ informant and recovered a pistol during an operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Yahaya Haruna, was arrested in the early hours of June 7 at Mungi village following intelligence linking him to criminal elements operating in the area.

According to the sources, troops of Sub-Sector 81 deployed at Gyambwas carried out the operation at about 12:15 a.m. after receiving credible information on the suspect’s alleged activities.

The sources said a search conducted at the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of one pistol believed to be connected to criminal operations.

“Acting on intelligence, troops arrested the suspect and conducted a search of his house, during which one pistol was recovered,” the sources said.

They added that the suspect and the recovered weapon were taken into custody for further investigation.

Security officials said preliminary investigations were ongoing to establish the suspect’s alleged links with kidnapping syndicates and determine the source of the recovered firearm.

They noted that efforts were also being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at disrupting kidnapping networks and dismantling criminal support structures across Plateau State.

Authorities urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant, Recover Pistol in Plateau

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Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

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Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

By: Zagazola Makama

The Malian government has announced financial rewards running into billions of CFA francs for information leading to the capture or neutralisation of some of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders, as authorities intensify efforts to combat insurgency across the Sahel.

The move, approved under the leadership of military ruler Gen. Assimi Goïta, targets key figures accused of orchestrating attacks against civilians, security forces and state institutions.

According to official information reported by state media, a reward of two billion CFA francs has been placed on Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), while a reward of 1.5 billion CFA francs has been offered for information leading to the capture of Amadou Koufa, a prominent militant commander associated with Katiba Macina.

Several other leaders of armed groups operating in Mali and the wider Sahel region are also covered by the reward scheme, with varying sums attached to them.

The Malian authorities said the rewards would be paid to individuals who provide credible information leading to the location, arrest or neutralisation of the wanted suspects. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies by sharing relevant intelligence.

The announcement comes amid renewed military operations against jihadist groups in northern and central Mali, where insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have continued to launch attacks despite sustained counterterrorism campaigns.

Malian authorities have vowed to continue pursuing the leaders and support networks of armed groups until they are brought to justice.

Mali Offers Multi-Billion CFA Rewards for Information on Wanted Terrorist Leaders

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