News
Niger Delta Communities issues ultimatum to Conoil to pay 3% OPEX fund, others
Niger Delta Communities issues ultimatum to Conoil to pay 3% OPEX fund, others
By: Michael Mike
Niger Delta Communities have issued an ultimatum to the Conoil Producing Ltd to comply with the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 in respect of host communities or get its operations in the area disrupted.
The host communities in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Ondo states at the weekend vowed to disrupt activities of Conoil within their communities if it failed to meet up with its responsibilities as stated in the PIA Act by 31st October 2025.
The communities alleged that the oil company in the last three years failed to implement the Provision of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 with respect to funding and operation of all the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 mandates oil and gas companies in Nigeria to contribute 3% of their annual operating expenditure (OPEX) to a Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) for the development of communities directly affected by petroleum operations. This contribution is intended to provide compensation and development support to these communities. Funds are typically allocated with 75% for capital projects, 20% for a reserve fund, and 5% for administrative costs, though guidelines on the 5% are still evolving.
It was alleged that Conoil Ltd was yet to implement this section of the Act, about three years after the Act came into existence.
A source within the presidency said the chairmen of the HCDTS from the affected states were in Abuja to table their grievances before the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC over the weekend.
The source however said the issue remained unresolved leading to the ultimatum.
The already agitated youth in the communities have vowed to shut down Conoil operations if it failed to implement the provision by the end of October 2025.
End
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded at about 1:00 p.m. on July 4 to reports of a confrontation between local residents and a suspected terrorist at a Ruga settlement behind Obajana community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly intervened and arrested one suspect at the scene.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of a terrorist group led by an individual identified as Haruna, which allegedly operates within the Okene general area.
The suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to establish the extent of his involvement and identify other members of the group.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across Kogi State.
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Troops Arrest Suspected Terrorist in Kogi, Suspect Confesses to Group Membership
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