By Adedapo Adesanya

Operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a cache of arms, ammunition, and two industrial drones, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N377 million.

Speaking to journalists at the FOU headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, the Unit Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that the seizures were made as part of ongoing operations to dismantle smuggling networks across the Southwest.

According to him, customs officers intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected to be carrying contraband via bush paths near Ilara, Ogun State. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to contain 15 assorted rifles, including 14 JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (Italian-made) and one Mossberg pump-action shotgun (US-made, Serial No. P256630).

The firearms, many bearing serial numbers such as 22-0743, 602-H22YT-556, and 698-H21PT-24, were carefully concealed within bales of second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti.

The seizure also included 4,841 rounds of live ammunition, two bales and a sack of used clothing, and two cartons of Danu Spaghetti.

“Upon sighting our officers, the driver and a passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush,” Mr Shuaibu said.

In a separate operation along the Akure-Ore axis in Ondo State, another patrol team intercepted a Volkswagen Sprinter bus at about 0910hrs on August 9, 2025. The vehicle was found to be transporting two industrial drones concealed in a wooden box, without any valid documentation.

“One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure,” Mr Shuaibu added.

He emphasized that the importation of arms, ammunition, and drones without proper documentation, including End User Certificates from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is a clear violation of national security regulations.

Commending the professionalism and bravery of his officers, Mr Shuaibu said the successful operations were the result of strategic planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution.

He also called on Nigerians to support law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

“In line with our commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he concluded.

Becoming a young mother is a big change in life. If you’re not still ready, one of the biggest decisions is the breastfeeding. Teen breastfeeding might seem like a difficult task in the beginning, especially when you have to manage school, social life, and the new duties of motherhood. Pregnant teenager who become mother usually worry if they will be able to cover all the feeding needs, keep their lives on track, and have enough support from their social circle.

The aim of this article is to support and motivate young mothers by providing them with information about teen breastfeeding that is both educational and comforting. It is really necessary to find out how to store milk correctly by using the right tools such as a breast milk cooler bag and feeding your baby in public if you want to feel confident.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Teen Moms Who Breastfeed

Teen breastfeeding presents the young mothers that are often burdened with school, responsibilities, and the new role of taking care of a baby. Many might also experience societal pressure or absence of support, and all these things can turn the experience into a large heap of emotions.

Getting the proper guidance and motivation is necessary to make them feel more confident about their journey. On the other hand, teen breastfeeding also signifies discovering sensible means of managing daily life alongside ensuring that the baby gets the right nutrition.

The use of simple tools and the implementation of effective strategies can help to make the procedure more convenient while the support that comes from family, friends, or professionals can assist young mothers to be regular. By meeting these peculiar needs, the teen mothers will not only give their babies proper nutrition but also gain self-confidence as moms.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Both Teen Mom and Baby

Teen breastfeeding may come with unique challenges, but this does not mean that it is not good. Feeding is a good way to take care of the baby and at the same time gain health benefits. She may be young but it does not mean she cannot be a good mother, on the contrary, she can become a better one by applying such a simple but powerful method like breastfeeding. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Teen breastfeeding strengthens the immune system of the baby.
• Breast milk fully and naturally nourishes the baby.
• The risk of infections and other diseases in babies is decreased.
• The process of the uterus getting back the normal size is faster.
• The risk of cancer is lowered in young women.
• Helps to keep a healthy weight after becoming pregnant.
• The baby feels love and care from the mother.
• The teen mother’s confidence and self-esteem arise.

Overcoming Stigma and Social Pressure

Teen breastfeeding is accompanied by outside judgment that can make young mothers feel as if they are doubting their choice.

Criticism, staring, or negative remarks can just lead to the creation of stress, but it is still very important to keep in mind that breastfeeding is a personal choice and a good one for both the mother and the baby. Below are some tips that may help to handle stigma and social pressure:

• Never let go of your decision to breastfeed and keep your confidence on top.
• Concentrate on the health benefits that you and the baby will get.
• Have friends and family around who are supportive of you.
• Become a member of the local or virtual community for teen breastfeeding mothers.
• You know, the love that you give your baby through feeding is the thing that counts the most.

Building a Support System: Family, Friends, and Professionals

For many young moms, teen breastfeeding can seem to be a difficult task if they do not have the right kind of support. Having a support network is not only instrumental in the maintenance of the confidence but also in making the whole breastfeeding process a more positive and enduring experience.

The support is reassurance, encouragement, and provision of practical solutions that can help you juggle motherhood and daily life. Below are the means through which you can reinforce your support system for teen breastfeeding:

• Request family members to take over the house chores so that you will have time to focus on feeding.
• Let friends know about your breastfeeding ambitions and they will be the ones to cheer you on.
• Be a member of the young mother’s groups to have the same experiences and to get the same advice.
• You should consult a lactation expert when you have a problem that you do not know how to resolve. They are the people qualified to lead you through any issues that you may have.
• You should always maintain communication with the health-care providers who respect your choices.

Balancing School, Rest, and Breastfeeding

Teen breastfeeding is often viewed by young mothers as a hard challenge of juggling the school, babysitting, and finding time for rest. It may be a suffocating experience to deal with all these things at the same time, however, it is still feasible to attain a good balance if you employ the correct strategies.

The use of schedules, depending on assistance, and implementing handy gadgets will make it possible for you to continue your studies as well as taking care of your baby. Below are some suggestions that will help you maintain a balance as you breastfeed the teen:

• Come up with a simple plan on how to study and feed the baby.
• Rest or pump your milk during school breaks.
• Use a breast milk cooler bag to store the milk.
• Get some sleep when the baby is napping.
• Get help from teachers or family members.

Finding Teen-Friendly Resources and Lactation Support

Without proper direction, teen breastfeeding may be really confusing for the majority of young mothers. In order to become less stressful and to have more confidence, they need to have a proper and sufficient quantity of the right resources focused on them.

Regardless of being school programs, health centers, or supportive communities, these resources are young moms’ lifelines.

Some of the helpful ideas when it comes to breastfeeding in teens are the local health clinics with lactation consultants, community programs like WIC, school or community groups, and online places where young moms can talk.

It will also be a great step to talk to a few trusted mentors or professionals as they can be a source of inspiration and give you practical tips.

Dealing with Emotional and Physical Changes

Teen breastfeeding can really affect a young woman’s body and emotions. A young mother may experience a lack of energy, feel stressful and have low self-esteem which might be caused by hormonal changes, recovery after delivery, and the new role of being a young mom.

Such emotions are natural, and it is very essential to remember at all times that every mother encounters problems at this time. To get through these changes, sleeping well and eating nutritious food are very effective.

Having a talk with a good friend, a family member, or a health professional can also greatly change one’s mood. Young mothers must never forget to make time for themselves because being strong and relaxed will make the both mom and baby happy.

Encouraging Confidence and Long-Term Breastfeeding Goals

In the beginning, most young mothers find teen breastfeeding to be a stressful experience. Building up confidence, however, makes the whole process more convenient. Indeed, believing in yourself and relying on your body to give the baby the right nourishment is a very good step.

Through accomplishing little things, say by perfecting the proper way of latching or successfully sticking to a routine, a person can boost self-esteem and, at least with time, make the breastfeeding process more mellow and natural.

Long-term breastfeeding objectives are equally instrumental in keeping teen mothers charged with positive energy. It doesn’t really matter if these goals are broken down into smaller ones for six months, a year, or even longer.

Through a lot of patience, encouragement, and having the right support system, teen mothers will be able to experience their advancement getting lighter and providing their baby with a healthy and strong beginning.

Conclusion

Teen breastfeeding can be difficult, however with the right equipment and support it turns into a success. Having handy tools like a breast milk cooler bag can make the feeding routine more relaxed and more manageable for young mothers.

By receiving support from relatives, friends, and specialists, young mothers will be able to take good decisions and be confident about them. To a teen mother, breastfeeding is caring the infant plus establishing a deep and enduring relationship with the baby. “Breastfeeding is not just about feeding a child, it’s about nurturing a future.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has warned that oil block holders who fail to meet their development obligations risk outright revocation of their licenses, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, 2021).

According to the Chief Executive of the commission, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, it was important to issue the warning as there a substantial amount of them laying around.

He noted that undeveloped acreages will not be allowed to lie fallow amid Nigeria’s drive to maximize hydrocarbon value.

“If you have been awarded an oil block and you refuse to develop it in accordance with the terms, it will be revoked,” Mr Komolafe declared.

Recall that recently, the federal government, has already warned oil companies with revocation, if they don’t develop them.

According to the NUPRC helmsman, every oil block award comes with clear conditions, including timelines for exploration and development, which investors are expected to honour.

“Every award has very clear terms about its tenure, but the clear provisions of the PIA being the instrument that guides our regulatory activities is that unexplored acreages are expected to be relinquished, apart from the clear terms of the award itself,” the NUPRC boss explained.

The warning comes at a time when the federal government is under pressure to boost production volumes, attract fresh capital inflows, and shore up dwindling oil revenues.

The enforcement of relinquishment provisions could open up dormant acreages to more serious investors, thereby stimulating competition and accelerating production growth.

Mr Komolafe reaffirmed that the NUPRC will continue to operate strictly within the framework of the PIA, noting that compliance with the law is non-negotiable.

The stance underscores the government’s bid to align regulatory practices with global standards, where idle assets are quickly reassigned to optimize resource development.

By enforcing these provisions, Nigeria hopes to unlock more investment in its upstream sector, improve crude output, and strengthen its fiscal buffers in a challenging oil market.

Already, the NUPRC has instituted a one million barrels target initiative, which is aimed at helping the country meet an ambitious three million barrels per day optimal production goal.