News
Soldiers Destroy 109 Illegal Refining Sites …Recover N2.7bn In Stolen Crude ….Arrest 24 Oil Thieves
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said soldiers on anti-bunkering operations in the Niger Delta, have destroyed 109 illegal refining sites and arrested 24 oil thieves in the last two weeks.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko, who made this known, said the soldiers recovered over N2.7billion stolen crude comprising over four million litres of crude oil, two million litres of AGO and 30,000 litres of DPK.
He said the soldiers from Operation DELTA SAFE, also discovered and destroyed 34 wooden boats, 150 storage tanks, 119 ovens, 104 dugout pits, 27 pumping machines, one weapon, one speed boat, 13 vehicles and seven outboard engines.
Onyeuko, said the soldiers achieved the feat while on operation OCTOPUS GRIP conducted in creeks, towns and communities in the Niger Delta region of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State.
The DMO spokesman, at a media briefing on the update of military operations conducted between June 30 and July 14, said 3,858 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to troops fighting the counter-insurgency war.
The surrendered persons include 505 males, 1,042 females and 2,311 children.
He also said six high calibres of Commanders of the terrorist ground surrendered to troops.
He gave the names of the commanders to include Mallam Mala Hassan (WALI), Ali Madagali (MUNZUR), Musa Bashir (CHIEF ANUR), Buba Dahiru (MUNZUR), Jafar Hamma (KAID) and Abbali NAKIB Polisawa.
Within the period under review, Onyeuko said soldiers killed several terrorists and arrested some logistics suppliers/collaborators with various items at various logistics towns within the theatre.
Onyeuko statement on the update of military operations reads: “The troops of HADIN KAI have continued to take the battle to Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves with more coordinated operations. On 13 July, 2022, six top terrorists’commanders surrendered to own troops in Gwoza.
“It is pertinent to note that since the surrendering of terrorists to own troops the high calibre of commanders surrendered at this time is unprecedented among them a WALI (Governor) and KAID (a 3 star Commander). The surrendered are; Mallam Mala Hassan (WALI), Ali Madagali (MUNZUR), Musa Bashir (CHIEF ANUR), Buba Dahiru (MUNZUR), Jafar Hamma (KAID) and Abbali NAKIB Polisawa.
“Also, about 3,858 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered between 1 – 14 July 2022, comprising 505 male, 1,042 Female and 2,311 children. Furthermore, in the theatre, troops neutralised several Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province terrorists with in the period under review at different encounters at Gamage village in Dikwa Local Government Area, Dikwa – Gambora Ngala road, Pulka – Gwale road in Borno State, among others. Several terrorists’ logistics suppliers/collaborators were arrested with various items at various logistics towns within the theatre. Among them were two women namely; Hauwa Gambo and Khadija Dirsa.
“In a related development, on 11 July, 2022, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at Tumbum Jaki and Tumbum Murhu near Lake Chad in Borno State on the receipt of intelligent report on the activities of the insurgents in the general area. The successful airstrike neutralised several Boko Haram Terrorists and destroyed their hideout. Accordingly, information received from locals indicate that over 21 terrorists were neutralised in the airstrike.
“Consequently, between 1 – 14 July, 2022, troops neutralised 42 terrorists, arrested 10 suspected terrorists, captured 17 AK47 rifles, 1 QTC rifle, 1 RPG Bomb, 1 RPG tube, five hand grenades, 120 rounds of 5.5mm, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 151 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 12.7 108mm, two ammo links, fiveDane guns, eight rounds of fabricated 7.62mm ammunition, one smoke grenade, two locally made explosives, 23 empty AK-47 magazines, and five FN magazines.
“All surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families were profiled and documented while all recovered items and apprehended suspected terrorists were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
“Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI carried out several operations in its theatre, notably on 10 and 11 July at Sambo village in Dandume Local Government Area Katsina State neutralised two terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition. It also, intercepted bandits collaborators at DogoKade and Samawa village in KauraNamoda in Zamfara State where they recovered two motorcycles and jerry cans filled with Premium Motor Spirit and several stolen cows were recovered at Gidan Isa in Maradum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“In another development, on 11 July, 2022, troops rescued one MallamSani Umar Wara at Maberiya Village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. It was revealed that he was serving at Zuru Correctional Centre but was kidnapped at KofarGabas town in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State on 2 July, 2022. The rescued person was handed to Headquarters Correctional Centre Gusau for further action.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE on 2 July, 2022 conducted raid operation in Hausa Quarters in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State and discovered a weapon fabricating factory. The criminals fled before the arrival of own troops, however, troops recovered two locally made cartridge launchers, one FN rifle, one locally made gun and other items used in manufacturing weapons. In another operation, troops arrested criminal vandalising electric wires at NIPSS Kuru in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Also, two suspected cattle rustlers were arrested at Kara Market, Bukuru in Jos Local Government Area of Plateau State, suspects are in the custody for further action.
“Relatedly on 1 July, 2022, troops raided some criminal enclaves in Kukyor Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Consequently, seven suspects were arrested, fiveDane guns, five machetes, five cartridges. Seven cell phones among others items were recovered.
“Also, on 7 and 8 July, 2022, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in conjunction with plateau State Police Command arrested two notorious kidnappers, Abdulrazaq Umar and IdrisAbdulahi at Beco Junction, Heipang District in BarkinLadi of Plateau State. The suspects confessed to have carried out series of kidnapping activities within Plateau and Bauchi States, including the murder of AlhajiSalehAbdulhamid (Shabi) at Ex-land Village on 22 June, 2022, the suspect’s further revealed one MallamBuhari Umar as the leader of the gang. However, while enroute the criminal hideout, the suspect attempted to escape and were neutralised.
“Similarly, on 9 July 2022, troops conducted raid operation at Mailafia, Nisaina, DogonFilli and GidanWaya all in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State and arrested two armed robbers; Mr George Yakubu and George Joseph aged 26 and 25 years respectively. Items recovered from the suspects includes three fabricated AK-47 rifles, one knife, one cutting hoe, oneI cutlers, one spanner amongst others.
“Also, on the same day, troops responded to a distress call that gunmen attacked a Toyota Hummer Bus with registration number LFA 322 YR Nasarawa at DoganFilli Village in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and rescued nine passengers who were held hostage. All arrested criminals, rescued civilians and recovered items were handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
“In compliance with its mandate of safety of lives and property in the Nigerian Maritime environment, the Nigerian Navy Ship OKPABANA of Operation Delta Safe on 5 July, 2022 responded to a distress message and in a swift reaction located and rescued a 16 meters surfer passenger boat MV NUE SWIFT belonging to a Lagos based oil service company.
“The boat had lost her propelling ability at Agbara Platform while transiting from Forcados to Bonny Mooring and drifted for 32 hours before being rescued by own troops. Accordingly, the crew and the boat were handed over to the Forward Operations Base Bonny on 6 July 2022.
“In the same vein, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE on operation OCTOPUS GRIP conducted operational activities in creeks, towns and communities in the Niger Delta region of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers State. In the cause of conducting anti-illegal oil refining operations, troops discovered and destroyed 109 illegal refining sites, 34 wooden boats, 150 storage tanks, 119 ovens, 104 dugout pits.
“Cumulatively, within the period under review troops recovered 27 pumping machines, one weapon, one speed boat, 13 vehicles, seven outboard engine, 4.339million litres of crude oil, 2.051million litres of AGO and 30,000litres of DPK. Troops also arrested 24 economic saboteurs. All recovered items and apprehended oil thieves were handed over to the appropriate authorities.
“Troops in the South-West zone of the country have continued to fight crime and clamped down on smugglers in the border area of the zone. On 3 July, 2022, troops on joint border patrol recovered 61 25litres jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and intercepted two vehicles loaded with 163 50 kilogrammes of foreign rice along Ifo-Abeokuta in Ifo Local Government Area and ijimu – Tata in ImekoAfon Local Government Area of Ogun State. All recovered items were handover to the Nigerian Custom Service, Abeokuta.
“Finally, I wish to convey the military high command commendations on the efforts of the troops in the various theatres of operation across the country. Furthermore, the entire populace is hereby appreciated for the support given to the Armed Forces and security agencies in the conduct of their operations while also urging them to continue to provide creditable information on criminals in their locality. The media community is also acknowledged for their partnership and cooperation with the military and other security agencies in our quest to return peace to our dear country”.
News
NASS commends FIRS for surpassing 2024 target, sets 2025 goal
The National Assembly has lauded the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji, for exceeding the 2024 revenue collection target of N19.4 trillion.
FIRS generated N21.6 trillion, surpassing the target by N2.2 trillion.
The commendation came during a meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, where the FIRS chairman appeared before the joint committee on Finance to defend the service’s revenue projections for 2025.
The committee proposed a N25 trillion revenue generation target for FIRS in the coming fiscal year.
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Saidu Abdullahi, was the first to commend Adedeji’s performance, calling it “unprecedented” and “worthy of commendation.”
“The feat achieved by FIRS in revenue collection for 2024 was unprecedented and truly commendable.
“Surpassing the target set for the agency in the 2024 Appropriation Act, from N19.4 trillion to N21.6 trillion, is both encouraging and impressive,” he said.
He encouraged the FIRS to study the tax collection methods of South Africa, which generated higher tax revenue, and to focus on expanding the taxable base to include more informal sector workers.
Sen. Joel Onowakpo emphasised that tax collection was a global norm, and advised the committee to raise FIRS’s projected 2025 revenue target to N30 trillion.
Similarly, Sen. Binos Yeroe lauded Adedeji’s innovative approach in surpassing the 2024 target.
“Your performance in 2024 was highly commendable, and I hope you continue to maintain this level of success,” he said.
Rep. Etanabene Benedict suggested aiming for N60 trillion in 2025 to avoid borrowing.
Committee chairmen also supported the proposed N25 trillion revenue goal for 2025; with Sen. Sani Musa stating that it was both “achievable and surpassable.”
News
Abbas, Kalu express grief over Deputy Chief Whip, Onanuga’s death
Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed deep grief over the demise of the Deputy Chief Whip of the house, Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga.
In a statement on yesterday, Abbas described the late lawmaker as a strong pillar who would be sorely missed in the house.
The Tide source reports that Onanuga, who died on Wednesday, represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency and was serving her second term in the house.
Abbas said that he had led members of the house in support and prayers for Onanuga during her health challenge and was hopeful of her recovery, saying that her eventual death was painful.
He recalled Onanuga’s campaigns for gender equality, women empowerment and inclusion in politics and governance, as Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare in the Ninth House and as a principal officer in the 10th House.
Abbas also recalled how the late lawmaker, as the only female member in the leadership of the house, inspired and rallied female legislators for the greater good of the chamber and the country in general.
“Onanuga was a brilliant woman, experienced politician, resourceful lawmaker and a dependable ally in the legislative business,” he said.
Abbas commiserated with the Onanuga family and her constituents, the people and the government of Ogun as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the demise of the legislator.
Also, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, expressed sadness over Onanuga’s death.
Kalu described the deceased as a shining example of dedication, compassion and selfless lawmaker whose service to her constituents and the nation was outstanding.
He acknowledged her support for the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), which demonstrated her passion for defeating insecurity in Nigeria.
“Onanuga was a dedicated and committed lawmaker, renowned for her unwavering commitment to peace.
“Her passion for promoting harmony and understanding was truly commendable. Beyond her legislative accomplishments, Onanuga’s compassion, humility and simplicity inspired countless individuals.
“Her warm and infectious smile, coupled with her empathetic nature, endeared her to everyone she met, making her a beloved figure in the lives of many,” he said.
Kalu said that Onanuga would be remembered for her commitment to the cause of women’s empowerment and political inclusion as well as her relentless efforts toward ensuring that the gender bills were passed.
The deputy speaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the Onanuga family, her colleagues and constituents, saying that she would be greatly missed.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late lawmaker and the fortitude to bear the loss.
News
Rotary Foundation commits $300m to polio eradication in Nigeria
The Rotary International Foundation says it has committed over 300 million dollars to polio eradication in Nigeria.
Its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mark Maloney, disclosed this on Thursday while conducting polio immunisation at a Primary Healthcare Centre in Jahi, Abuja.
According to him, polio eradication is Rotary’s number one priority worldwide and it is focused on eradicating the variant type two poliovirus cases discovered in 2024.
Maloney said efforts towards eradicating the polio variant should be intensified, adding that recording success in that area would be beneficial to the Nigerian government.
He also commended the Federal Government’s polio accountability programme as well as all Rotarians for their efforts in putting an end to the disease.
“The Nigerian government is facing a significant challenge with the continuation of variant polio type two, and so far, we have seen about 92 cases through the cases that have been evaluated in 2024.
“We encourage the government to redouble their efforts to put the focus on this polio eradication as they did with the Wild Polio Virus (WPV), and they were successful.”
On new donations to Nigeria, Maloney said that Rotary would allocate some funds in 2025, but the amount was yet to be determined.
“There are 50 million dollars that I expect will be allocated, but a lot of it has to go to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where WPV is still endemic.
“Though, I think there will be a significant tranche of funds, maybe not tens of millions, but a significant amount of money will be allocated to Nigeria,” he added.
The chairman noted that the organisation has allocated two million dollars to its Programme of Scale project aimed at reducing the rate of birth-related mortality in Nigeria.
“What we are looking to do is to decrease the rate of mortality in births in this country, and it is operating now in several districts.
“One way that the mortality rate can be decreased is for more births to happen in a healthcare facility rather than at home.
“We have seen in the first year of the programme a significant increase in the percentages of births happening in medical facilities.
“One district had gone from 11 per cent happening in medical facilities to 33 per cent, which is a significant increase,” he added.
The Chairman of the organisation’s Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, Mr Joshua Hassan, said outbreak immunisation efforts are conducted locally in response to the vaccine-derived variant of polio.
Hassan said national immunisation days are planned twice a year for the entire country.
According to him, the organisation is focusing more of its efforts on Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.
Prof. Emmanuel Lufadeju, the National Coordinator of Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, said that the Programme of Scale project was designed to reduce maternal mortality among women by 25 per cent.
Lufadeju said that this is done through community dialogue, home outreaches, medical outreaches, and capacity building.
“We are going to train a lot of people, including doctors and nurses.
“Then we are going to do something that is called a social, behavioural change, to change the attitude of people and make them deliver in the facility instead of delivering at home.”
He added that the two million dollar project, which began in 2024, is expected to end in 2025.
The Tide source reports that Maloney is in Nigeria for an official visit to embark on advocacy, carry out symbolic immunisation, visit the Programme of Scale project areas, and also visit President Bola Tinubu.
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