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NPDF Tells Ex-militants Contending for Pipeline Contacts to Be Wary of Economic Saboteurs Out to Cause Disharmony
NPDF Tells Ex-militants Contending for Pipeline Contacts to Be Wary of Economic Saboteurs Out to Cause Disharmony
By: Michael Mike
The Niger Delta Peace Front has admonished youths of the region especially ex-militants to avoid being used by saboteurs against Nigeria’s economy.
The NPDF cautioned the ex-militants who have besieged the media space to criticize the renewal of the pipeline protection contract to be wary of unscrupulous persons who do not mean well for the nation.
The Chairman of NPDF and Secretary, Patterson Efemena and Onyem Philip respectively made the admonition in a statement on Sunday.
They wondered how those who benefitted immensely from Tantita in the first phase of the contract would be the ones championing subversiveness against the firm.
The group advised the ex militants who have committed huge amounts of money to discredit Tantita and the NNPC in the media to stop dissipating energy on an issue rightly decided by the President.
They insisted that such efforts could be deployed to ventures that would be beneficial to society.
The NDPF also stressed that contracts are not won through threats but by demonstrable capacity and track record to follow through the procedure spelt out in the contract terms.
The NPDF however urged those aggrieved by the decision to renew the contract to show patriotism by giving support to TSL which engaged almost 18,000 youths of the region to successfully prosecute the first phase of the oil pipeline contract.
The group recalled that the contract which has become subject of needless controversy was executed by people in the same region for over 12 years with no protest whatsoever from anywhere.
The NPDF noted that the orchestrated media campaign is targeted at the soul of the Nigerian economy by a hard fighting clique of silent billionaires who see Tantita and the NNPCL as enemies because of the recorded successes against oil theft.
The statement urged those behind the attacks to stop the blackmail “and embrace the prevailing mood of the nation that clearly says enough to oil theft.”
Efemena and Onyem commended President Bola Tinubu and the NNPCL under Mr Mele Kyari for the deliberate decision to build on the gains of the campaign against oil theft spearheaded by Tantita.
The statement read: “We have observed the sponsored mudslinging and other veiled threats to the Federal Government and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited over the renewal of the oil pipeline contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited.
“As stakeholders in the Niger Delta, we have resisted the urge to join the fray in the days leading to the renewal of the critical contract to Tantita Security Limited.
“This we did because we hold it dearly to our hearts that subversive activities sponsored by those who benefited monthly from Tantita will not further the interest of Nigeria.
“We have tried discreetly to prevail on those who have committed huge amount of funds to sponsor the most invidious publications not just against against Tantita but also the NNPCL and top government functionaries to stop and embrace the prevailing mood of the nation that says enough to oil theft.
“We are of the view that it is about time we stopped these threats and name calling to pursue things that are beneficial to our dear country’s finances and the poorly managed ecology of our homeland.
“Oil theft has to be called its right name – a plague on the financial well being of our country. We will surely do better if we commit half of the energy we have dissipated on this issue to the product end of putting up a concerted front under Tantita to fight oil theft.
“Perhaps, we need stress the point here that contracts are not won by hurling insults at the awarding authorities on the pages of newspapers and those selected for jobs.
“As many have observed, and rightly so, you need demonstrable capacity, and track record to follow through the procedure spelt out for contract award .
“Lastly, we wish to refresh the memories of those threading this path of infamy that this same contract was executed at heavier cost by some persons for over 12 years with no protest from anywhere. We find this din over the renewed contract rather curious and suspicious.
“As people from the Niger Delta, we should join forces with Tantita to prosecute a successful campaign against our country and our environment rather than supporting the saboteurs of our economy over a port of porridge.
To know when to withdraw is wisdom and now is the time to stop the needless campaign.
“We commend Mr President and the NNPC for the deliberate decision to strengthen the war against oil theft.”
NPDF Tells Ex-militants Contending for Pipeline Contacts to Be Wary of Economic Saboteurs Out to Cause Disharmony
News
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.
The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.
NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.
The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.
It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.
NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
News
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.
Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.
According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.
He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.
Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.
He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.
“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.
The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.
Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.
According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.
The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
News
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.
Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.
He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.
According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.
The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.
He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.
The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.
Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.
He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.
On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.
He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.
According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.
Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.
He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.
The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
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