Crime
Troops neutralize two vandals, recover arms, arrest 18 in Niger Delta bunkering bust
Troops neutralize two vandals, recover arms, arrest 18 in Niger Delta bunkering bust
By: Michael Mike
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have continued to achieve significant operational successes in their anti-illegal bunkering efforts across the Niger Delta Region. In their latest operation, troops neutralized two armed vandals, recovered two AK-47 rifles, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves, and destroyed 13 active illegal refining sites.
The troops also dismantled seven boats, uncovered eight illegal connection points, and seized over 60,000 litters of stolen petroleum products.
In a statement, Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operation commenced after credible intelligence revealed an attempt to vandalize a Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) pipeline in Upatabo Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA). On arrival, troops engaged the vandals in a firefight, neutralizing two while others fled. Recovered at the scene were two AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, and 69 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
In Degema LGA, troops deactivated four illegal refining sites, seized over 6,000 liters of stolen products, and destroyed two wooden boats. At Odagba village, near the Imo River, troops intercepted two wooden boats containing more than 5,000 liters of stolen products and dismantled refining equipment. Elsewhere along the Ndoni-Obiafu road, suspected oil thieves abandoned two vehicles, a KIA and a Toyota Avalon, loaded with 28 sacks of stolen petroleum products. Four motorcycles were also left behind by the fleeing criminals.
Further operations in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA led to the arrest of two oil thieves near an illegal connection point. Troops also deactivated illegal refining sites around the Owaza Odogwa Creeks, confiscated over 6,000 liters of stolen products, and destroyed multiple boats and equipment.
In Delta State, at Okpoko in Warri South LGA, troops intercepted a wooden boat siphoning crude oil from Well 8 at Okpoko Oil Field. The suspects escaped into the bush, but 2,000 liters of stolen crude were recovered.
Additional operations at Ndemili Community and Oleh led to the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of two vehicles loaded with stolen products. In Bomadi LGA, a Toyota bus containing 20 cellophane bags of stolen petroleum products was intercepted, resulting in one arrest.
In Bayelsa State, seven suspects were intercepted along the Nun River in Southern Ijaw LGA with over 1,000 litters of stolen products. Troops also dismantled illegal refining sites in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw LGAs, confiscating thousands of litters of stolen products. At Clough Creek, a suspect was caught with vandalized NAOC armoured cables.
In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted six drums of premium motor spirit (PMS), estimated at 1,500 litters, at Ibaka waterside in Mbo LGA. The products were allegedly being prepared for smuggling to a neighbouring country.
Major General Jamal Abdussalam, General Officer Commanding 6 Division, commended the troops for their success and reaffirmed the division’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s critical infrastructure. All arrested suspects have been handed over to prosecuting agencies, while confiscated products are being managed in accordance with regulations.
Troops neutralize two vandals, recover arms, arrest 18 in Niger Delta bunkering bust
Nigeria Secures $62.8m Kuwait Loan to Boost Climate-Resilient Schools, Inclusive Education
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s partnership with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has yielded a $62.8 million concessional loan aimed at transforming the country’s education sector through climate-resilient infrastructure, improved teacher training and expanded access for vulnerable children.
The Federal Government disclosed this in Abuja during celebrations marking Kuwait’s 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, represented by Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman, Director of the Regions Department, said the financing agreement signed in 2025 reflects the growing depth of Nigeria–Kuwait relations and their shared commitment to human capital development.
He explained that the loan is being deployed to upgrade school facilities to withstand climate-related challenges, strengthen teacher capacity and ensure that girls and children with disabilities have improved access to quality learning.
According to him, the collaboration demonstrates how bilateral diplomacy is translating into measurable social impact.
“Kuwait has remained a trusted development partner. Our cooperation has moved beyond formal ties to practical interventions that directly address Nigeria’s social and economic priorities,” he said.
Ahmed added that both countries are broadening engagement in key sectors including agriculture, food security, renewable energy, infrastructure development and digital connectivity. He noted that subnational governments in Nigeria are also positioning themselves to attract Kuwaiti investment.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Salim Almuzayen, described the occasion as a celebration not only of Kuwait’s national milestones but also of enduring partnerships built on mutual respect and sustainable development goals.
He cited the “Reaching Out-of-School Children” initiative in Kaduna State — funded by the Kuwait Fund in collaboration with UNICEF — as a leading example of cooperation between both nations. The project is designed to reintegrate more than 200,000 out-of-school children into formal education.
Almuzayen said Kuwait’s global development engagement is guided by a moderate foreign policy and a long-term vision focused on shared prosperity. Since its establishment in 1961, the Kuwait Fund has financed development projects in over 100 countries across critical sectors such as education, health and infrastructure.
The $62.8 million facility marks a significant boost for Nigeria’s education reform drive, particularly at a time when climate adaptation and inclusive access remain central to national policy objectives.
With both governments signaling deeper collaboration, stakeholders say the agreement underscores a maturing bilateral relationship anchored on practical development outcomes rather than symbolic diplomacy.
Nigeria Secures $62.8m Kuwait Loan to Boost Climate-Resilient Schools, Inclusive Education
Farmer killed, another injured in herder attack in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
A Fulani farmer has been killed while another sustained injuries following an attack by unknown herders in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on Feb. 11, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m. in Azbak Village. The victims, Abdulrahaman Audu, 30, and Ya’u Umaru, were reportedly tending to their tomato farms when two unidentified herders with grazing sheep trespassed onto their farmland.
According to sources, when the farmers cautioned the herders, the assailants allegedly attacked them with cutlasses, inflicting severe injuries.
The victims were rushed to Specialist Hospital Gashua for treatment. Abdulrahaman Audu, however, died on admission, while Ya’u Umaru remains under medical care and is reportedly responding to treatment.
The body of the deceased was released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites.
Police in Yobe confirmed that investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing culprits.
This incident draw attention to the ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in Yobe State, with clashes over farmland and livestock management increasingly resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Farmer killed, another injured in herder attack in Yobe
Troops, police repel bandits attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army and the police have successfully repelled armed bandits who attacked Ankpali Village in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State early Wednesday.
According to sources, at about 2:45 a.m., the security forces received distress call indicating that the village was under attack.
Reinforcements from the Nigerian Army and 80 PMF arrived to support the operation. In the ensuing crossfire, the bandits were forced to retreat, and one assailant was shot dead. His body was removed and deposited at the local mortuary.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and apprehend those involved in the attack.
Residents commended the swift response of the security forces, noting that their intervention prevented further loss of lives and property.
Troops, police repel bandits attack in Benue
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