General
Troops Destroy 578 Illegal Refineries, Arrest 681 Culprits in Five Months
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.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mr Orji Uzor Kalu, has been congratulated by President Bola Tinubu on his 65th birthday.
In a statement released by the State House, the former Governor of Abia State was praised for his multifaceted roles and his service to the nation.
Mr Tinubu said his longtime friend and political ally has worked for the growth of Nigeria, having served as the Senate Chief Whip and currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The SEDC is one of the regional development commissions established by the administration of President Tinubu to accelerate infrastructure, economic growth, and overall development across the South East geopolitical zone.
The President highlighted the lawmaker’s significant contributions during his tenure as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, as well as his continued dedication to the progress of the state and the nation at large.
He also acknowledged Mr Kalu’s accomplishments in the private sector, describing him as a media mogul and Chairman of SLOK Holding, who continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s vision, resilience, industry and service to the nation and commitment to the progress of Abia are noteworthy,” President Tinubu remarked.
“I wish him long life, greater strength and increased wisdom as he continues his service to the nation,” the President concluded.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed Paradise Estate in Life Camp Extension, Abuja, following serious allegations of consumer rights violations.
The action was taken due to the estate’s alleged failure to deliver housing units to buyers despite receiving full payment.
The FCCPC also cited multiple public complaints and other offences as grounds for the enforcement.
According to the commission, numerous complaints had been lodged against Paradise Estate, but the management repeatedly failed to comply with regulatory directives.
The non-compliance prompted the FCCPC’s visitation and eventual sealing of the premises.
Speaking to reporters, the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Surveillance, Marvin Nadah, noted that the developer was given a seven-day window to respond to an official summons but failed to comply.
In its defence, Paradise Homes’ Head of Legal, Mr Aloysius Ezenwa, argued that the transactions were protected under the existing “Contract of Sale.” The company expressed its dissatisfaction with the sealing, maintaining that the dispute is a contractual matter that should be settled before a tribunal.
However, the FCCPC maintained that its actions were lawful and that it had not been served with any court appeal to halt the process.
The commission reiterated its stance on prioritising the rights of Nigerian consumers and ensuring developers are held accountable.
It noted its commitment to protecting consumers from unfair business practices and warned other real estate developers to adhere strictly to contractual obligations and consumer protection laws.
The FCCPC’s involvement in a housing complaint comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the organisation has the powers to investigate consumers’ complaints involving banks and other financial institutions.
The banks, the court ruled, are answerable to FCCPC. It dismissed a suit filed by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and slammed N2 million on it.
The decision has been described as a big win for bank customers.
In a statement signed by its Corporate Affairs Director, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s chief executive, Mr Tunji Bello, said, “This is a big victory for bank customers.”
By Bon Peters
Retirees of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Onne Port complex in Rivers State were honoured at an event on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
The ceremony was full of conviviality, renewal of camaraderie and more importantly a demonstration of love, affection and commitment as shown to the retirees by the management.
The Port Manager for Onne Port Complex, Mr Abdulrahmon Hussain, informed newsmen that the event was to appreciate the retirees who have shown commitment, laid foundation and also mentored most of the workforce at Onne.
“What the Nigerian Ports Authority Onne Port complex management is doing today is to appreciate our retirees,” he said.
“We believe that the foundation we are standing on today was laid by them. While in service, they have mentored our junior staff and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Port.
“Simply put, you know here is referred to as a family Port and we want to sincerely show them that they are still members of the family though retired,” he added.
Mr Hussain also praised the Managing Director of the NPC, Mr Abubakr Dantsoho, for giving welfare of employees a priority.
“Today’s event is the first of its kind at our Port but we promise to make it more memorable going forward.
“Apart from the multivitamins and other drugs we provided for them, I feel the most important thing is the demonstration of love and care which the management has shown them today, and I promise that the management will do more next year,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Onne Port complex Dr Bashir Kangiwa, applauded the Port Manager for the initiative describing it as the first of its kind.
He noted that when he was assigned to carry out the project from the Medical Department, he embraced the responsibility with all arms and was happy it was successful.
He hinted that the NPA has a policy that even as a retiree, they enjoy an unhindered access to the company’s medical facilities and could also be referred to another hospital if the ailment is beyond the organisation’s control.
One of the retirees, Mr Ndudim Amos Nwaji, a former NPA Senior Staff Association Chairman, thanked the management of Onne Port complex for the gesture.
He advised those in the leadership position of this country to borrow a leaf from the NPA management, insisting that the senior citizens of this country should be taken care of.
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