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Troops Destroy 578 Illegal Refineries, Arrest 681 Culprits in Five Months

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By Adedapo Adesanya

As Nigeria continues to tackle oil theft on all fronts, troops engaged in the fight in the Niger Delta region destroyed 578 illegal refineries and arrested 681 oil thieves between January- May, 2025.

This was disclosed by the Commander of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral John Okeke Magudu, while giving the latest update.

Oil theft has been regarded as one of the constraints limiting the country from hitting its ambitious 3 million barrels per day target, so military efforts have been taken to staunch the issue.

In the update, the official said the troops also destroyed 13 militants’/sea pirates’ operational bases and recovered 653 illegal weapons within the period.

Some of the arrested suspects have already been convicted, while others are still undergoing trials in various courts of law.

The Commander made this known at a media briefing with Defence correspondents on a tour of operations of OPDS, in the Niger Delta.

Represented by the maritime component commander, Commodore Patrick Meteke, while noting the difficulty in the fight against crude theft, said the criminals take advantage of the swampy, waterlogged terrain crisscrossed by numerous rivers and creeks to carry out their illicit activities.

He listed the prevalence of crime bedeviling the region, which is also threatening the nation’s economy, to include crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering/refining, smuggling, sea robbery, militancy, kidnapping, cultism, communal-related issues, as well as threats to pipeline security.

He said the OPDS consistently conducts operations at flashpoints, maintaining threat levels at a minimum in most cases.

While noting that the non-kinetic strategy adopted by the Joint Task Force has become a force multiplier in winning hearts and minds across host communities, the commander said aside from the military operations targeting illegal refineries and pipeline vandals, OPDS has embarked on community outreach programmes such as free medical outreaches, borehole projects, and school renovations to improve the lives of local populations.

“These humanitarian projects are not just gestures of goodwill; they are part of our broader strategy to build trust with communities,” he explained.

“Through them, we are receiving credible intelligence on criminal hideouts, illegal refinery camps, and planned sabotage attacks. People are more willing to cooperate with us when they see our presence translating into real benefits,” he added.

He further stated that community leaders and youth groups who had before now been suspicious of military presence in their communities now actively participate in intelligence sharing and security sensitization.

The official also said such synergy has led to the dismantling of several illegal refining sites and the arrest of high-profile oil thieves.

“We believe that security must be holistic. “The more stable and empowered these communities are, the less likely they are to harbour or support criminal elements. Development and security must go hand in hand.”

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Launches Safety FairPlay Initiative

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Dangote cement unclaimed dividends

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A Safety FairPlay initiative designed to drive behavioural change and cultural shift towards safety conducts among its employees has been launched by the Ibese Plant of Dangote Cement Plc.

This programme will drive lasting behavioural and cultural change through an equitable and transparent framework that promotes safe conduct. Built on three core pillars—Recognition, Correction (Coaching) and Discipline.

It rewards positive safety behaviour, ensures consistency in addressing at-risk actions, and encourages open reporting of incidents, near-misses and errors, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

The scheme will be replicated at all the plants of Dangote Cement, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Company’s safety culture, the organisation added.

The pilot launch of this policy recorded impressive participation from both the management and employees, thus underscoring a shared commitment to safer work practices.

The Technical Director of the cement giant, Mr Anandam Duraisamy, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative to the business and called on employees to champion a safety culture anchored on fairness, accountability, recognition, and continuous improvement.

He noted that the Safety Fairplay marks a defining moment in the company’s journey toward building a workplace where safety is not just a policy, but a shared mindset—an everyday habit that defines who we are and how we work. We are here to launch an initiative that aims to transform not only what we do, but how we think, act, and respond when it comes to safety.

“Safety FairPlay is about building trust, consistency, and accountability in how we manage safety. When people know that safe behaviour is recognised, risky actions are fairly addressed, and everyone is treated equitably, safety becomes a shared responsibility and a true part of our culture.

“This initiative is about behavioural and cultural change. It recognises that true safety excellence goes beyond equipment, procedures, or compliance; it begins with people-our attitudes, our choices, and our willingness to look out for one another.

“Every incident prevented, every risk spotted, and every safe action taken strengthens our organisation. And that strength comes from you—from each member of our workforce embracing safety as a personal responsibility and a collective value,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Ibese Plant Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Mr Elvis Akalusi, commended the management for driving the programme and applauded employees for their enthusiastic embrace of the initiative.

He affirmed that the Safety FairPlay Initiative would be fully embedded into the plant’s daily operations, with the full collaboration of all heads of departments.

“This initiative will offer the tools, coaching, recognition, and accountability needed to help each of us make safer decisions. But its success depends on our shared commitment—our courage to consistently do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

“Let us approach this new chapter with open minds and a determination to improve. Let us build a culture where speaking up is encouraged, learning is continuous, and mistakes become opportunities to grow—not reasons for fear,” he stated.

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Navy Unveils Roadmap for Nigeria’s 2.5mbpd Crude Output Target

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Navy via its Central Naval Command has unveiled a fresh security coordination roadmap with oil majors and maritime stakeholders to ensure security enforcement aligns with plans to boost the country’s crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day.

The renewed push followed back-to-back high-level engagements held this week between the Central Naval Command, major oil exploration companies, and key maritime industry players, which stakeholders agreed could be delivered if crude oil theft, sabotage, and operational disruptions across the Niger Delta are decisively addressed.

Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, told participants that maritime security remains critical to Nigeria’s economic survival and energy ambitions.

“Maritime security is a collective responsibility,” Rear Admiral Ibrahim said.

“Sustainable outcomes can only be achieved through close collaboration and mutual understanding between the Nigerian Navy and you, our industry partners whose assets, personnel, and investments we protect.”

During the engagement with oil executives, participants jointly affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2.5m bpd mandate is “doable and achievable”, provided security agencies and industry operators align operations, intelligence sharing, and response strategies.

Rear Admiral Ibrahim stressed that the Navy’s role is to create an enabling environment for uninterrupted oil and gas operations, assuring stakeholders of stronger protection for offshore and onshore assets within the Command’s Area of Responsibility.

He also conveyed the full backing of the Chief of the Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, noting that Naval Headquarters remains committed to deploying the required platforms, assets, and leadership to strengthen maritime security.

“The Chief of the Naval Staff is fully committed to providing the platforms and strategic leadership needed to optimise security deployments across the Central Naval Command,” the FOC said.

According to him, the dual meetings provided an opportunity to reassess the evolving security landscape, review emerging threats, and fine-tune response mechanisms in line with industry realities.

“We welcome frank and constructive engagement,” Rear Admiral Ibrahim added. “Your feedback is vital to improving our operational effectiveness and service delivery.”

According to a statement, industry stakeholders expressed renewed confidence in the Navy’s leadership and ongoing inter-agency cooperation, noting that improved maritime security is already translating into greater operational stability and production recovery.

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IHS Nigeria Commissions Recreational Park in Omole Estate Phase 1

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Recreational Park in Omole Estate Phase 1

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A new community recreational park has been commissioned by IHS Nigeria in Omole Estate Phase 1, Lagos, delivered within a four-month timeline through collaboration with the Omole Estate Executive Committee, the Lagos State Government representatives, and the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).

The Head of Partnerships for LASPARK) Ms Temitope Okumuyide, said the project aligns with the agency’s mandate to promote healthy and safe environments across Lagos State.

“This park contributes to creating functional and enjoyable green spaces for the citizens of Lagos,” she said, thanking IHS Nigeria for helping in promoting a greener environment across the metropolis.

The chairman of Omole Phase 1 Residents Association, Ms Abimbola Osikoya, expressed gratitude for IHS Nigeria’s generous donation.

“In a city as dynamic as Lagos, spaces like this are essential. This park will serve as a place for relaxation, family bonding, healthy living, and neighborly interaction. The measure of a society is how it cares for its people, and IHS has demonstrated this through meaningful community investment,” she said.

Also, the chairman of the Titilayo Adedoyin Community Development Association, Mr Segun Fayemi, described the park as a landmark achievement, adding, “Out of the 18 sectors in this area, only mine has such a facility. I am the happiest man today.”

During the commissioning of the project, the Director of Sustainability for IHS Nigeria, Ms Titilope Oguntuga, described the project as more than infrastructure, highlighting the social and human value of shared public spaces.

“At IHS Nigeria, we believe infrastructure goes beyond connectivity and technology. It is about people and the environments in which they live, work, and thrive. Recreational and green spaces are critical to promoting well-being, inclusion, and stronger communities,” she said.

She noted that the presence of the IHS team at the event reflected the company’s dedication to the project and the host community, adding that, “The turnout today also shows our commitment and excitement to witness the commissioning of this park.”

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