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Oil Theft: President Commends Tantita Security Services, others On Recorded Successes
Oil Theft: President Commends Tantita Security Services, others On Recorded Successes
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended Tantita Security Services Limited and the other security agencies for combating oil theft and hailed their collaborative efforts yeilding results.
Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa gave the commendation on behalf of the President while inspecting the impounded MT. Kali and paraded suspects by Tantita and other security agencies at Oporoza, Delta State.
The CDS flanked by top officials of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL and top military brass promised to deal ruthlessly with oil thieves and their sponsors.
He noted that the arrested vessel will be destroyed in line with standard practice to serve as deterrent to others.
Musa urged the media to stop creating disaffection between government and Private security agencies working together to achieve better results.
He said, “We are here based on the report of the arrest of this ship, and I think it’s a major achievement. It shows that we’re committed in ensuring that we stop this criminality within the maritime environment.
“This is a collaborative effort and it will continue to collaborate with the NNPC, the others, private security agencies, the main federal government agencies are also working together. I don’t want a situation where we create the impression as if there’s enmity between this group and that group.
“We’re working for the same team, we’re all Nigerians, this is our country. Whatever is happening here is an act of criminality that must be stopped by all means. So, I want to make it very clear that all Nigerians must put hands on deck to ensure that we stop these acts.
“The country is bleeding. We need all the funds we need so that this country can grow and develop and it is just by stopping these criminals like this, that will make that very possible.
“So why we’re here, is to come and see to identify them. The chief of Defense Intelligence is going to go straight into investigation as to who is involved, what was taken, who sent them, and this is because we want to catch the perpetrators.
“These ones are just the ground troops that are being used, the main actors are behind, and I want to use this opportunity to warn all those that don’t want to stop this, that enough is enough.
“The Armed Forces, the security agencies, the communities, private security agencies, wherever they are, they are contracted as long as they’re contracted by the federal government, we’re going to work together as a team.
“There’s not going to be any competition between us, and please, the media should stop making it look as if there’s a fight, there is no fight.
“Whatever arrest that has been done, it is done collaboratively, and we’re going to continue to do that. And so that is very important.
“We’re happy that these have been arrested. We’re going to take it off from here, and we’re going to do more, because, henceforth, we’re going to enhance our collaboration and our jointness in ensuring that we check these menace.
“Nigeria must grow, and individuals can not hold us to ransom. There are very few individuals who are making profit from this. And they don’t want to stop because I would have expected that by now, from all the actions have been taken to discourage people from doing it. But you can see that people are still hell-bent to steal our crude for their own selfish gains, and that must stop.
“So, I want to thank you for this opportunity that we’re here. And to make it very clear that we are all working together as a team.
“We will enhance this capacity, and this year, we will ensure that Nigeria oil production goes up, as much as possible, so that we can all benefit as Nigerians.
“The crude inside the vessel will going to be treated as standard operating procedure, including the ship.
“I know those ships that are very new will not want to commit crime. They want to go look for those ones that are almost dead. So that if they succeed, they have gained and if they lose it, they don’t lose anything. This will follow the standard operating procedure.” He stated.
Oil Theft: President Commends Tantita Security Services, others On Recorded Successes
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
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