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Oil Theft: NSCDC, Tantita Destroy Crude Oil Thieves Camp in Ondo

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Oil Theft: NSCDC, Tantita Destroy Crude Oil Thieves Camp in Ondo

By: Michael Mike

The operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Limited have destroyed a major camp of crude oil thieves in the coastal areas of Ondo State.

The security outfit and operatives of the NSCDC engaged the operators of the illegal crude oil camp in a gun duel before destroying the camp on Sunday.

The Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services of TSSNL, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, said in a statement on Monday that the incident which involved the Trans Extravis Pipeline occurred at Awoye seashore in Ilaje local government of Ondo State.

According to him, the Ondo State Commandant of Tantita, Idowu Asonja, led operatives in collaboration with the men of the NSCDC to storm the massive store where stolen crude was being sold to local buyers.

He revealed that while the perpetrators of the criminal act escaped, the operatives seized 700 kegs filled with crude oil, (twenty-one thousands litres) and two wooden boats filled with the crude oil, which were set ablaze.

He said, “It is indeed a successful but stressful trip. Our agents in Awoye area hinted us about the perpetration of the evil acts in that area with the thieves , according to the agents, believing that the place was impregnable.

“Our men in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, stormed the area on Sunday morning to destroy it totality and set everything ablaze as appeared in the photos and video attached to this content.

“Fortunately, we met 700 kegs filled with crude oil, ( about twenty-one thousands liters). All the kegs with the camp/ store were set ablaze. Also we met two wooden boats filled with the crude oil, and all were set ablaze.”

Captain Enisuoh quoted Chief Asonja as having cautioned the people of the area against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

He urged them to support the war against economic sabotage being intensified with the combined efforts of the armed forces, the police, the NSCDC in collaboration with TSSL.

Oil Theft: NSCDC, Tantita Destroy Crude Oil Thieves Camp in Ondo

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VP Shettima: Our Target As A Nation Is To Attain Food Sovereignty

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VP Shettima: Our Target As A Nation Is To Attain Food Sovereignty

** Urges global partnership for sustainable agricultural transformation in meetings with leaders

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on global stakeholders to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in rebuilding sustainable and inclusive food systems across Africa, saying true national sovereignty is incomplete without food sovereignty.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has designed a comprehensive strategy to address food security challenges, which mostly impact vulnerable citizens in conflict-affected regions.

The Vice President spoke on Tuesday during a panel on Country Perspectives: Government-led Strategies and Regional Frameworks during the UN Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Senator Shettima said President Tinubu’s bold national strategy, including the declaration of a state of emergency on food security and the rollout of systemic reforms, was aimed at transforming agriculture into a resilient, youth-driven, market-based engine of economic growth.

“Our target is to attain food sovereignty. So long as a nation is not independent in the area of food sovereignty, it remains a non-sovereign nation,” the VP said, recalling that when President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the administration met a fragile food system worsened by insecurity, climate shocks, and inflationary pressures.

“His Excellency President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency on Food Security, not out of fear, but out of genuine concern for the welfare of our people, especially in conflict-driven environments like the North East, where Boko Haram was sowing seeds of discord and destruction,” he stated.

VP Shettima explained that with 25 million vulnerable people across fragile regions, the government adopted coordinated policy measures, including the creation of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), not to displace existing institutions, but to harmonise all food security interventions.

“We have also initiated food support mechanisms in the North East and North West. But we believe charity is not the answer. In Africa, we say that when you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach him to fish, you empower him for life. In our displaced people’s camps, we’re encouraging food production for dignity and resilience,” he added.

The Vice President stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural transformation strategy must be market-driven, powered by entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Our belief is that agriculture should be market-driven. The whole mantra is about increasing yields. Entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the psyche of the average Nigerian,” he noted.

To achieve this, he said the government is investing in improved seeds, extension services, climate-resilient farming, and mechanisation.

“We are reinforcing our extension services so that our farmers can get up-to-date information on rainfall patterns and how to manage the climate shocks ravaging our part of the world,” he said.

VP Shettima Meets FAO, IFAD, WFP Chiefs, Seeks Support For Lake Chad, Year-Round Farming, Green Revolution

Meanwhile, on the margins of the summit, Vice President Shettima held high-level bilateral meetings with top executives of key global food and development agencies, including the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu; President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Álvaro Lario, and Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain.

In his meeting with the FAO DG, Shettima sought the organisation’s partnership in reviving the Lake Chad region, enhancing all-year farming, and supporting the Green Revolution Project of the Federal Government.

“The revival of the Lake Chad region, which is being threatened by multidimensional challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, humanitarian crises, and conflict, requires a multi-pronged approach, development initiatives, conflict resolution, regional cooperation, and large-scale infrastructure,” VP Shettima said.

He emphasised the region’s enormous agricultural potential, urging FAO to play a central role in supporting its recovery.

FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, praised the political will of the Tinubu administration, describing it as a clear demonstration of committed leadership to transform Nigeria’s food systems. He pledged enhanced FAO partnership and technical support.

In a similar meeting with IFAD President, Álvaro Lario, VP Shettima underscored the administration’s resolve to empower smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, with access to finance, mechanisation, and modern inputs.

“We are focusing on increased productivity, resilience, and commercialisation, not handouts,” VP Shettima noted, adding that Nigeria’s plan includes scaling up existing IFAD-supported projects to reach more rural communities.

The Vice President also held talks with WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain, during which he commended the organisation’s longstanding humanitarian interventions in Nigeria.

He, however, reiterated the administration’s shift toward sustainable solutions.

McCain pledged WFP’s continued commitment to working with the Nigerian government in areas such as school feeding, nutrition, and support for displaced communities.

VP Shettima: Our Target As A Nation Is To Attain Food Sovereignty

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Zulum announces N1 Billion support to UMTH for Kidney Transplant

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Zulum announces N1 Billion support to UMTH for Kidney Transplant

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a N1 billion financial support package for the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to facilitate kidney transplants for underprivileged patients from the state.

Demonstrating immediate commitment, Governor Zulum authorised an initial deposit of N250 million to cover transplants for 50 indigent patients.

The governor made the announcement during the 110th General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, alongside the commissioning of the epoch-making projects at UMTH.

He confirmed that the remaining N750 million would be disbursed in three instalments.

“I am pleased to announce that Borno State government will deposit the sum of N250 million to support kidney transplant of 50 patients. I am ready to contribute N1 billion as government’s contribution towards supporting the less privileged indigenes of the State ,” Zulum stated.
“The Borno State government therefore pledges to support this initiative and is ready to provide all the partnership required to sustain the provision of kidney transplant to less privileged patients at UMTH. This is only the beginning—I promise to do even more,” he added.

Governor Zulum commended UMTH for its strides in specialised healthcare, particularly its recent successful kidney transplants.

“I was told both the patients and donors are doing very well. Indeed this is a landmark achievement and a great relieve to patients most importantly to those who cannot afford the cost of transplant,” he remarked.

Speaking on the State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services (SEMAS), the governor confirmed that ten new fully equipped ambulances would be deployed across health facilities by the week’s end. This, he stressed, would bolster the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.

“As a Government, we pledge our full support for the sustenance and scale-up of the Maternal and Newborns Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative programme. We view it not as a standalone initiative, but as a critical complement to our broader health reform agenda,”.

“We are committed to ensuring that Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative succeeds in providing comprehensive antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow-up and routine immunisation to protect our children from preventable diseases,” he stressed.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, lauded Governor Zulum for fostering collaboration between state and federal governments to deliver equitable, affordable healthcare.

“Governor Zulum exemplifies teamwork by working closely with the federal government to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility in Borno,” Pate said.

Chief Medical Director, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo acknowledged the state’s N500 million intervention following the 2024 floods, had helped to restore critical services, including the renovation of Trauma and Kidney Centres, procurement of medical consumables and the reactivation of oxygen plant.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Minister of Health and Social Services Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, National Assembly members, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (GCON), the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, former deputy governor, Hon. Usman Mamman Ndurkwa and over 70 Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors.

Zulum announces N1 Billion support to UMTH for Kidney Transplant

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Troops neutralise three terrorists in ambush operations in Borno

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Troops neutralise three terrorists in ambush operations in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised three terrorists and intercepted logistics supplies during coordinated ambush operations in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama on Tuesday that the operations were conducted by under Operation Desert Sanity IV.

The sources said that the first ambush occurred late on July 28 at Kawuri general area, where troops lying in wait intercepted terrorists transporting logistics. On sighting the ambush team, a firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralisation of two terrorists, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.

Items recovered included packs of salt, Maggi seasoning, detergents, wrappers, brassieres, hijabs, shoes, a solar panel, torchlight batteries, and packs of SIM cards.

The troops returned safely to base early on July 29.

In a separate incident around midnight on the same day, troops on patrol observed suspicious movement ahead of their location in Konduga.

An alert was sent to an ambush team already in position, which swiftly engaged the terrorists at a different axis of the local government area. One terrorist was neutralised, while others fled.

The troops recovered items from both operations and returned to base without casualties.

Troops neutralise three terrorists in ambush operations in Borno

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