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Insecurity: Army dismantles 16 illegal refinery sites in Niger Delta, arrests 11 oil thieves
The Defence Headquarters has announced the successful dismantling of 16 illegal refinery sites in the Niger Delta as part of ongoing counter-oil theft and security operations across the country.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed on Friday that troops also deactivated 29 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dug-out pits, and 21 storage tanks while arresting 11 suspected crude oil thieves and saboteurs. The operations prevented the siphoning of crude oil worth over ₦536.7 million and led to the confiscation of 48 smuggling boats. Additionally, security forces recovered 392,174 litres of stolen crude oil, 138,757 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO), 830 litres of petrol (PMS), and 375 litres of kerosene (DPK). Other seized items included pumping machines, drilling equipment, motorcycles, tricycles, mobile phones, and vehicles.
Beyond the fight against oil theft, troops conducted multiple operations targeting terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements. These efforts led to the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of gunrunners, oil theft collaborators, and violent extremists, as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, RPG tubes, pump-action guns, and explosives.
In Anambra and Imo States, troops arrested three suspected terrorists and rescued four kidnapped victims. In Delta and Rivers States, six criminals—including a suspected kidnapping kingpin—were detained. Operations in Borno and Yobe States resulted in the arrest of key insurgents, including senior ISWAP fighter Abdullahi Ali. Dozens of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists surrendered due to intensified military pressure.
Troops repelled terrorist attacks, destroyed improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and neutralized threats in multiple states, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi. Security forces also targeted criminal hideouts in Plateau, Kaduna, and Kogi, leading to the arrest of extremists and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and stolen vehicles.
Maj. Gen. Kangye reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to report suspicious activities. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to protect Nigerians in line with our Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations,” he stated.
The Anambra State Police Command has refuted reports of casualties following an early morning fire that engulfed a two-storey building storing textile materials on Ifejika Street, near Main Market, Onitsha.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed in a statement on Friday that no lives were lost in the incident. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he reiterated that earlier reports of fatalities were false.
During a media briefing in Awka, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed sympathy for the victims of the fire, noting that the incident could have been avoided with proper precautionary measures.
“However, no lives were lost. The Command appreciates the support of the Fire Service and well-meaning individuals in ensuring the fire was extinguished. The police have taken over the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent hoodlums from exploiting the situation to commit crimes,” Orutugu stated.
The Fire Chief of the Anambra Fire Service, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, also confirmed that no fatalities were recorded. He urged the public to dismiss a viral video claiming otherwise, labeling it as fake and an attempt to discredit security agencies.
Authorities have assured residents that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing while urging traders and warehouse owners to adopt better fire prevention measures.
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You are “Aare Ona Kankafo” of all political and democratic struggles – Keyamo hails Tinubu at 73
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, marks his 73rd birthday on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has praised him as a bold reformer, master strategist, and champion of democracy.
In a glowing tribute, Keyamo highlighted Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly his role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought against military rule. He recalled Tinubu’s emergence as the Governor of Lagos State in 1999, where he led legal and political battles against the then-ruling party.
Keyamo also noted Tinubu’s influence in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC), which ended the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 elections. He further acknowledged Tinubu’s struggles to secure the APC presidential ticket in 2022 and his eventual victory in the 2023 general elections, describing it as a testament to his resilience and commitment to national transformation.
According to Keyamo, Tinubu’s economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the Naira, demonstrate his willingness to address difficult issues. He expressed optimism that these reforms would drive economic growth, job creation, and the revival of Nigeria’s middle class.
“Now, we are clearly headed in the right direction as a country,” Keyamo stated, predicting that the reforms would yield positive results in the coming years.
While acknowledging ongoing political challenges, Keyamo urged Nigerians to celebrate Tinubu’s leadership and contributions to democracy.
“For now, let us pay tribute to this enigmatic and bold reformer, this quintessential democrat, this master of political consensus, this exemplary President, and this ‘Aare Ona Kankafo’ of all political and democratic struggles,” he said.
Dr. Emana Ambrose-Amawhe, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State during the 2023 general election, has resigned from the party.
In a letter dated March 28, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Ambrose-Amawhe announced that her resignation was effective immediately.
She stated that the decision was not made lightly but emphasized her continued commitment to serving Cross River State and Nigeria in other capacities.
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” she wrote. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me over time to contribute my quota to the growth of the party and the chance to serve as the Deputy Governorship Candidate in the last general elections.”
Ambrose-Amawhe expressed gratitude for being part of the PDP’s vision and engaging with the people but cited recent reflections on the state of affairs within the party as the reason for her departure.
“This decision was not made lightly, but I remain committed to serving my community and contributing to the progress of our state and nation in other capacities,” she added.
Ambrose-Amawhe was the running mate to Senator Sandy Onor in the 2023 Cross River governorship election. She also previously contested for a seat in the House of Representatives, representing Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency under the PDP.
Her resignation adds to the shifting political landscape in Cross River State ahead of future elections.
No casualties recorded in Onitsha fire incident – Police
Our ongoing investigation not linked to Atiku, Sanwo-Olu – EFCC
