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NPDF Tells Ex-militants Contending for Pipeline Contacts to Be Wary of Economic Saboteurs Out to Cause Disharmony

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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

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

By: Michael Mike

A high-level United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills has concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for expanded collaboration in education and workforce development between both countries.

The mission, which ran from April 19 to 23 in Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers, investors and school operators.

Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the engagement is part of the UK’s broader International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five priority markets for global education partnerships. The initiative is being championed by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year to sustain momentum.

The mission builds on diplomatic and educational engagements during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further reinforcing the growing importance of education within UK–Nigeria bilateral relations.

At the heart of discussions was the expansion of in-country delivery of British education, including the establishment of internationally recognised UK schools in Nigeria, as well as the development of industry-aligned skills programmes, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

In Abuja, the delegation held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for deeper institutional cooperation. Both sides explored pathways for partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s education system while equipping young people with skills tailored to labour market demands.

The delegation also visited several British curriculum schools and colleges in Abuja and Lagos, gaining first-hand insight into teaching standards and operational models already in place within Nigeria.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement.

“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers,” he said, noting that the mission demonstrated “strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration.”

He added that connecting UK institutions with Nigerian partners would help build sustainable, in-country education systems, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for high-quality learning.

Also reflecting on the mission, Sarah Chidgey described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the UK’s education strategy in action.

According to her, progress in UK–Nigeria education collaboration has grown steadily since her first visit in 2022, with the current mission reinforcing mutual commitment to expanding access, quality, and innovation in the sector.

The delegation included representatives from prominent UK institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, Bedford School, and Pearson, among others.

The mission concluded with a robust pipeline of follow-up activities, including one-on-one engagements, memorandum of understanding (MoU) discussions, and agreed next steps aimed at translating dialogue into tangible partnerships.

Analysts say the initiative signals a shift toward more structured and commercially viable education cooperation between both countries, with potential benefits spanning student mobility, local capacity building, and skills development aligned to Nigeria’s economic priorities.

With sustained engagement expected in the months ahead, stakeholders believe the mission could mark a turning point in positioning Nigeria as a major destination for international education investment in Africa.

UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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