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Oil Theft: NUJ Confers Meritorious Internal Security Award on Tompolo
Oil Theft: NUJ Confers Meritorious Internal Security Award on Tompolo
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has conferred its Internal Security Meritorious Award on the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
The national President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, said that the award was in recognition of the sterling contribution of Tompolo and his firm, TSSL, to the critical campaign against crude oil theft in the country.
Recently, Tantita Security Services Limited working alongside the Navy, the Police, the NSCDC, and others has, intensified the campaign against the theft of the nation’s oil resources arresting and ensuring the forfeiture of vessels used in the committing the crime.
Isiguzo led the national leadership of the NUJ to confer the award on Tompolo in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State on Saturday.
He stressed that the country would have been in some trouble without the patriotic efforts of Tompolo.
Isiguzo said that this was the first time the NUJ in its history would be conveying the Internal Security Meritorious Award of the union on anybody.
The NUJ leader explained further that the Internal Security Meritorious was the only ward approved during its National Security Conference in Abuja and it was given to Tompolo.
He said, “Somebody has risen to the occasion and gathered an array of young men who have taken it upon themselves to help this country continue to survive as a peaceful nation, united and continue to fend for its people.
“And that is the man that has, to a very large extent, substantially, helped us address the issue of crude oil theft.
“That is one thing that has occupied our national life over time. By his commitment, dedication and diligence, Nigeria, as a country, has to a very large extent, reduced the activities of men of the underworld who have consistently engaged in pilfering, taking our common patrimony for their personal gains.
“The NUJ, having assessed the activities of TSSNL, has decided that we must accord the necessary recognition to the man who carries the flag, birthed this security organization, who has exceptionally distinguished himself.
“The NUJ has come to the Oporoza Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom to honour a distinguished son of the Niger Delta; a general in his own right who has distinguished himself, ensures and maintains an appreciable level of internal security.
“We have come to confer on him, the Internal Security Meritorious Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
“In the course of the national security conference, held in Abuja, only one award had been approved and it is conferred on Dr Government Ekpemupolo.
“I’m also excited that I’m doing this after 61 years of the existence of the NUJ, this award is coming up at this time.
“It is not just an honour to Tompolo but also an honour to me too. It is an honour to all of us and what that means is that the issue of insecurity is not just the responsibility of government but of every Nigerian.
“When you provide information, and intelligence to security operatives and agencies, you have contributed in some measures to reducing the problem of insecurity in the land.
“So, it is a collective responsibility, and all hands must be on deck to ensure we address our problems.
“If Nigeria is peaceful, every part of the country, including your household, will be peaceful and that will give birth to development and progress.
He recalled that the Union’s National Security Conference meant to examine the worsening security situation in the country was attended by former Inspector General of Police, and Chairman Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and a diverse segment of Nigerians.
Isiguzo said that a position paper of the conference on the issue of security will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu.
In his reaction, the Tantita Security Services Limited restated his promise to end the criminal theft of the nation’s crude oil resources in the Niger Delta region.
He stressed that the country was in serious need of concerted support to stop the activities of those sabotaging the economy for personal gains.
The NUJ President had in his entourage, the National Secretary of NUJ Shuaibu Leman and Delta state NUJ chairman, Churchill Oyowe and others.
Oil Theft: NUJ Confers Meritorious Internal Security Award on Tompolo
The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
In times of crisis, the greatest threats are often believed to come from outside terrorists, kidnappers, or criminals lurking in the shadows. Yet, as the tragic murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State reveals, sometimes the most dangerous enemy is the one within.
Father Okechukwu was not just a clergyman; he was a man who dedicated his life to service and faith. But even within the sanctity of his home, danger lurked. The person who orchestrated his abduction and eventual murder was not a faceless criminal from a distant land, but someone who shared his living space.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN made a major breakthrough on March 25, 2025, when they arrested the killers of Father Okechukwu. Acting on intelligence, security forces raided the hideout of the prime suspect, 33-year-old Pate Yau, at a Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village, Lere Local Government Area (LGA). Under questioning, Yau confessed that he had been contracted to carry out the abduction by none other than Douglas Henry a man who lived under the same roof as the slain priest.
The revelation was as chilling as it was tragic. Douglas Henry, a man trusted enough to share a home with the priest, had allegedly masterminded the crime. Acting swiftly, troops proceeded to Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA, where Henry was arrested. Both suspects are now in custody, undergoing further interrogation.
The brutal murder of Father Okechukwu forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: sometimes, the greatest threats do not come from strangers but from those closest to us. The concept of the enemy within is not new, but it is one that continues to haunt societies worldwide. Whether it is betrayal within families, workplaces, or communities, the pain of being harmed by someone trusted cuts deeper than any wound inflicted by an outsider.
In this case, Father Okechukwu’s killers were not unknown bandits roaming the forests; they were people who knew his routines, his vulnerabilities, and, tragically, his kindness. It is a chilling reminder that while we often look outward for danger, we must also be vigilant about those within our circles.
The arrest of the suspects is a victory for security forces, but it also serves as a cautionary tale. Nigerians, particularly those in positions of service and leadership, must exercise caution in their interactions and associations. The rising cases of kidnappings and assassinations orchestrated by trusted associates are a stark warning loyalty is not always guaranteed, and familiarity does not always mean safety.
This case also point to the need for improved intelligence gathering and communal vigilance. Security forces can only do so much; communities must play their part by reporting suspicious activities and individuals. Trust is essential in any society, but blind trust can be dangerous.
The enemy within is often the hardest to detect, but it is also the most dangerous. As Nigeria grapples with insecurity, it is crucial that people remain vigilant not just against external threats, but also against those who might be hiding in plain sight.
The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna
TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ARREST KILLERS OF REVEREND FATHER IN KADUNA
By: Samson Nantip
Troops of Sector 7 Operation SAFE HAVEN have arrested killers of a Reverend Father, Sylvester Okechukwu murdered after he was kidnapped in Tachira village in Kaura local government area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
The suspects were arrested on 25 March 2025 following a raid on the prime suspect’s hideout located at Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti village in Lere LGA of Kaduna State. During preliminary investigation, the prime suspect, Pate Yau 33 year-old confessed to have been contracted by one Douglas Henry living in the same house with the slain priest to kidnap him.
Troops in a follow-up operation arrested Douglas Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA of the State. The arrested suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation.
TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ARREST KILLERS OF REVEREND FATHER IN KADUNA
Tuggar Pleads to Airbus to Set Up Maintenance Hubs in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the Airbus Operations Facility in Getafe, Madrid, Spain, as part of his official tour. The Getafe facility, the largest industrial site in Spain, plays a key role in Airbus’ global operations.
During the visit, the minister held discussions with key Airbus executives, including Juan Sell, Head of Public Affairs, Spain, Luis Hernanperez Fernandez, VP, Head of Sales, Africa, Candelas Segovia Rodriguez, International Government Affairs Manager, Cristina Garvia Aliste, Representative for Corporate Analysis, Defence EU Matters, and Sales Support, Public Affairs, Spain
The talk centered on Airbus’ interest in investing in Nigeria’s aviation and defense sectors. The minister welcomed these discussions and emphasized the importance of collaboration beyond trade, advocating for localized investments and workforce development to boost employment in Nigeria.
Airbus representatives highlighted their aircraft offerings for Nigeria’s transport, humanitarian, and defense needs. Specifically, they promoted the C295, a multi-purpose aircraft adaptable for various missions.
The minister urged Airbus to move beyond aircraft sales and consider establishing a maintenance hub in Nigeria, citing the country’s status as a regional security hub for peacekeeping operations in Africa. He emphasized the potential for Airbus to train and empower local youth, with long-term possibilities of aircraft assembly and even manufacturing in Nigeria.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of Airbus’ maintenance facilities, providing insight into the company’s operational capabilities.
Tuggar Pleads to Airbus to Set Up Maintenance Hubs in Nigeria
The Enemy Within: How Betrayal Led to the Murder of a Reverend Father in Kaduna
Eid-el-Ftr: FG Declares Monday, Tuesday as Public Holiday
TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN ARREST KILLERS OF REVEREND FATHER IN KADUNA
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