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OIL THEFT: ECONOMIC SABOTEURS DENIED FREEDOM OF ACTION TO ESTABLISH NEW ILLEGAL BUNKERING SITES
OIL THEFT: ECONOMIC SABOTEURS DENIED FREEDOM OF ACTION TO ESTABLISH NEW ILLEGAL BUNKERING SITES
By: Our Reporter
The ongoing anti illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) has ostensibly shown considerable level of progress. The operations, which were conducted from 9-15 December 2024, resulted in the deactivation of 42 illegal refining sites, arrest of 29 suspected oil thieves, and confiscation of 197,000 litres of stolen products. This was also in addition to the demobilization of 32 boats, 12 vehicles and eight motorcycles used for economic sabotage in the NDR.
Troops conducted several operations in Bayelsa State. Around Biseni Forest in Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), four newly established illegal refining sites were deactivated with about 37,000 litres of stolen crude recovered. This feat was also replicated at Benkrukru, around Oando Wellhead in Okordia Forest also in Yenagoa LGA, where newly established illegal refining sites with about 29,900 and 2,000 illegally refined crude and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), respectively were recovered. Relatedly, at Olukama and Sabasuo areas in Nembe LGA, an Illegal refining site, with a wooden boat ladened with over 5,000 litres of water stolen crude were handled appropriately. While, at Igbomotoru Creek in Southern Ijaw, a wooden boat hidden inside the Creek with over 1,000 litres of stolen crude was recovered.
Similarly, operations were conducted in Rivers State, which spurred successes. Around Kula in Akuku-Toru LGA, three illegal refining sites, one wooden and five fibre boats were intercepted with over 30,000 litres of stolen crude. In a similar vein, at Bille in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites, two wooden boats with about 4,000 litres of stolen crude were recovered. Along the Imo River, 13 illegal refining sites, 73 drum pots, 40 drum receivers, eleven metal container receivers as well as over 28,500 litres of stolen products were handled. Seizures were also made along Elele-Omoku road, Obiafo, Ododa and Ogbogolo Communities in Abual/Odual LGA, Alesa in Eleme LGA, Odagwa – Imo River in Etche LGA and Coconut Estate in Bonny Island LGA, amongst several other localities.
In Delta State, at Aronwon Community in Warri North LGA, one active illegal refining site with five ovens, one boat and about 5,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops also intercepted three tanker trucks loaded with substances suspected to be illegally refined AGO within the premises of Pig Parker Filling Station along refinery road in Uvwie LGA. Five suspected oil thieves were arrested in connection to the products.
While commending troops for sustaining the tempo, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam reassured that the ongoing operations would be sustained. This he reiterated, is aimed at achieving the target set for December 2024.
OIL THEFT: ECONOMIC SABOTEURS DENIED FREEDOM OF ACTION TO ESTABLISH NEW ILLEGAL BUNKERING SITES
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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