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
Four children killed in Barkin Ladi reprisal attack as Plateau tensions escalate
By: Zagazola Makama
Four children were killed on Thursday in a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen in Dorong village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid rising tensions following recent attacks on herders and cattle rustling in the area.
The victims were identified as Precious Joshuah, 17; Isa’ac Joshuah, 9; Mary Joshuah, 7; and Eve Sambo, 3.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred less than 48 hours after coordinated assaults on pastoral communities in Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Riyom LGAs, during which no fewer than 168 cattle were rustled and several others poisoned.
Zagazola reports that on Wednesday evening, Militia from plateau rustled 137 cattle around Nding community in Fan District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while another 34 cattle were driven away from Kukukah community in Jos East LGA, with only three later returning.
Less than 24 hours later, nine cows reportedly died after grazing on poisoned substances around Kwi village in Riyom LGA, further heightening tension across the affected areas.
A community leader in Foron District, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Dorong attack was carried out in the early hours of Thursday.
“The atmosphere has been tense since the cattle rustling incidents. People have been living in fear, warning that reprisals were imminent if nothing was done. Sadly, those fears have now materialised,” the source said.
Security sources confirmed the incident, adding that troops and other security operatives had been deployed to the area to prevent further escalation and restore calm.
We therefore renewed calls on the Plateau State Government and concerned security agencies to urgently intervene, arrest perpetrators on all sides, and address the underlying causes of the recurring violence.
Zagazola warned that without decisive action, including accountability for cattle rustling, livestock poisoning and retaliatory attacks, Plateau State risks sinking deeper into another cycle of reprisals that continues to claim innocent lives, particularly women and children.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the Dorong incident.
Four children killed in Barkin Ladi reprisal attack as Plateau tensions escalate
Troops neutralise three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace have neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout in Bakin Kogi, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Zagazola gathered the operation, carried out on 11 December, was part of intensified efforts to clear criminal elements from the Joint Operations Area ahead of the yuletide celebrations.
The troops came under fire as they approached the hideout, but responded with superior firepower, overwhelming the armed gang.
Sources said the troops later conducted a sweep of the area and discovered the corpses of three suspected kidnappers neutralised during the exchange.
According to the source, the suspects were identified as members of a notorious syndicate responsible for multiple abductions and attacks on commuters along the Dangoma–Godogodo axis of Jema’a LGA.
He added that troops had launched follow-up operations to track down fleeing members of the group and dismantle their remaining networks.
The operation, he said, reflected the military’s sustained push to enhance security within Kaduna State and neighbouring areas.
Troops neutralise three suspected kidnappers in Kaduna
Kwara police intercept illegal firearms, arrest four suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Kwara state have intercepted a cache of illegal firearms and arrested four suspects during a routine stop-and-search operation along Sabongida Road.
According to sources, on 11 December 2025 at about 0845 hours, operatives from Jebba Division apprehended Musa Mohammed and Musa Abdullahi, both residents of Saorami, Masegun LGA, Niger State.
The suspects were found in possession of six locally made AK-47 rifles, one pump-action gun, four cartridges, and one expended AK-47 round concealed inside a bag.
Interrogation revealed that the firearms were intended for delivery to two other suspects, Mohammad Umoru and Magin Isah of Shonga, who were subsequently arrested.
All four suspects have been handed over to the IRT operatives on special duties in Kwara State for further investigation.
Kwara police intercept illegal firearms, arrest four suspects
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