NESREA Seals Oyo-Based Chemical Company Over Untreated Waste Discharge

By: Michael Mike

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down Bond Chemicals Industries Limited in Oyo State for violating environmental regulations by allegedly discharging untreated industrial waste into the environment.

A statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of NESREA, Nwamaka Ejiofor said, the enforcement action followed a public complaint that raised concerns about pollution from the facility.

She noted that the complaint was subjected to independent verification before officials moved in to investigate the allegations.

Ejiofor revealed that a compliance inspection conducted by officials of NESREA’s South West Zonal Office on February 18, 2026, uncovered serious environmental breaches at the facility. Inspectors discovered that the company was operating without a functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), a critical requirement for industries that generate wastewater.

The inspection team also found that untreated wastewater with a strong offensive odour was being released directly into the surrounding environment, an action that violates national environmental standards and poses potential risks to public health and nearby ecosystems.

She said following the discovery, NESREA issued immediate directives to the company to halt the pollution by installing and operating an effective effluent treatment system in accordance with regulatory requirements. The company was also instructed to obtain the necessary environmental permits to regularise its operations.

Ejiofor however said a subsequent inspection revealed that the company had failed to comply with the directives issued.

As a result, NESREA sealed the facility in exercise of its statutory powers to halt further environmental damage and safeguard the health of residents in the affected area.

The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to enforce environmental compliance across the country, warning that industries must adhere strictly to environmental regulations designed to protect communities and natural resources.

Barikor stressed that companies operating in Nigeria are required to install and properly operate pollution control equipment, noting that failure to do so would attract strict enforcement measures.

He added that the agency would continue to intensify monitoring and compliance checks nationwide and would not hesitate to impose sanctions on any facility found violating environmental laws.

NESREA stated that the chemical company will remain sealed until it fully complies with the agency’s directives and meets all regulatory requirements.

Ejiofor in the statement, said further investigations and compliance monitoring by the agency are ongoing.

NESREA Seals Oyo-Based Chemical Company Over Untreated Waste Discharge

Troops, NDLEA arrest suspected drug peddler in Yobe raid

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and local vigilante groups have arrested a suspected drug peddler during a raid operation in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on March 16 in the Takari general area, based on credible intelligence on illicit drug activities.

According to the sources, troops of the 159 Battalion, alongside NDLEA operatives and vigilante members deployed in Gashua, conducted the coordinated raid which led to the arrest of the suspect.

Items recovered during the operation include seven wraps of suspected cannabis sativa and other illicit substances.

“The suspect was apprehended during the raid, while the recovered exhibits have been secured for further investigation,” the source said.

He added that the suspect and the seized drugs had been handed over to the NDLEA for further action in line with existing laws.

Troops, NDLEA arrest suspected drug peddler in Yobe raid

Troops arrest eight illegal miners, dismantle site in Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested eight suspected illegal miners and dismantled an unauthorised mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities around the Chaza–Izom axis in Bamburu village, Suleja area.

According to the sources, troops of the 31 Artillery Brigade conducted a patrol to the location, leading to the arrest of the suspects at the site.

Items recovered during the operation include one motorcycle, one 25-litre jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), one 25-litre jerrycan of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), four water pump machines and one gas cylinder.

“The illegal mining site was subsequently destroyed to prevent further exploitation, while the suspects and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further necessary action,” the source said.

Troops arrest eight illegal miners, dismantle site in Abuja