Security
Combatting Crude Oil Theft: Naval Operation Eradicates 15,775 Liters Of Illegally Refined Oil In Ondo
In a decisive move against illegal bunkering, the Nigerian Navy, through the Anti Crude Oil Theft (COT) patrol team, obliterated 15,775 litres of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil in the Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo state.
The men of the Naval Forward Operating Base intercepted a Cotonou boat, loaded with approximately 5,000 litres of crude oil valued at N13.2 million.
The Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, mandated to combat COT, executed the destruction of the illicit cargo.
Acting on credible intel, the Task Force tracked and intercepted the wooden boat off the coast of Ojumole and Obe communities in the Ilaje Local Government area.
The crew, realizing the presence of Naval personnel, abandoned the vessel in haste.
Commander Humphrey Nnaji, the Executive Officer of the Base, highlighted the establishment’s role as a force multiplier for the Western Naval Command.
FOB Igbokoda operates under the leadership of Rear Admiral MB Hassan, focusing on policing roles, especially in the Anti-Crude Oil Theft and illegal bunkering efforts.
Commander Nnaji outlined the Base’s recent achievements, underscoring its commitment to combating illegal activities:
Within six weeks of the Commanding Officer’s assumption of command, the Base achieved significant success.
Operations included the interception and destruction of a wooden boat carrying 2,000 litres of suspected illegally refined crude products at Awoye on October 13, 2023.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Base discovered an illegal storage site containing approximately 5,000 litres of illegal POL products at Ugbo-Nla on October 18.
This site was promptly destroyed following OPDS directives.
On October 27, the Base disrupted an Illegal Refining Site (IRS) at Obe-Akinboye, Obenla community, under reactivation for illegally refining Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The site was obliterated as per the mandate.
On October 30, the Base uncovered a storage facility for illegally refined products at Old Market Road, Igbokoda, containing 11 containers totaling 275 litres. Subsequently, on November 14, an illegal storage site at Mahin was discovered, holding 96 drums and 3 x 300 litres drums of illegally refined POL products, approximately 3,500 litres in total.
Commander Nnaji reassured the residents of Igbokoda and its environs, emphasizing the Base’s commitment to breaking the cycle of criminality.
The Base aims to provide a stable, peaceful environment for citizens to conduct legitimate businesses without fear or intimidation, fostering unhindered economic activities.
The Global Information Team (GIT) has called on Nigeria’s security agencies to take swift action following the killing of several individuals during the recently concluded local government elections in Osun State.
Anabel Crown, GIT’s Head of Investigation and an election observer, criticised the Inspector General of Police for failing to respond to the violence that erupted in Ilesa East and West local government areas.
According to Crown, gunmen suspected to be affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) targeted voters and supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on election day.
She described the killings as unacceptable and urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate action.
“Some APC top figures are using their influence to sponsor violence,” she alleged, calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible.
GIT has also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene as a democrat by directing security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Crown insisted that “politics must not be a do-or-die affair” and that those behind the attacks should be brought to justice.
Reports of election-related violence have continued to raise concerns about political tensions in Osun State, with opposition parties alleging intimidation and attacks on their members.
The APC is yet to respond to the allegations.
The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully repelled multiple attacks by suspected armed bandits, killing four criminals in separate operations at the Federal University Dutsin-mama (FUDMA) and the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve (Silo) in Darawa, Dutsin-ma local government council of the state
According to the command spokesman, Hamisu Buhari, the incident happened on Friday, February 21; NSCDC operatives stationed at FUDMA’s permanent site engaged armed bandits who attempted to infiltrate the institution around 2:00 a.m.
The security team neutralised three of the assailants, including a notorious bandit identified as Ayuba Buzaru. During the operation, they also rescued three kidnapped victims: JafaruAlh. Bawa, 52 years, Delu Alh. Amadu, 40 years, and Huzaifa (alias Zulai) Alh. Bawa, 37 years.
Additionally, livestock stolen by the criminals, including goats, were recovered.
In a separate attack on Sunday, February 23, bandits attempted to raid the Federal Government Special Grains Reserve in Darawa.
The NSCDC Agro Ranger operatives, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Dutsinma Division, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel. One bandit was killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital, Dutsinma.
The Silo, which serves as a vital storage facility for grain distribution to Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, has been a recurring target for criminals.
However, security forces remain committed to its protection, following directives from the NSCDC Commandant General, A.A. Audi, and the National Security Adviser’s office.
Additionally, NSCDC personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, dispersed another group of suspected bandits at Gago Village, near Isah Kaita College of Education, in Dutsinma LGA.
Commandant Aminu Datti Ahmad praised the gallant efforts of his officers and assured the public of the Corps’ dedication to safeguarding lives and critical national assets.
He urged residents to report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security office.
The NSCDC Katsina Command remains steadfast in ensuring peace and security across the State.
A notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has imposed a levy of N22 million on four villages in Sokoto State as compensation for the death of one of his men during a military operation, according to local sources.
The affected villages include Garin Idi, the hometown of the state’s deputy governor, Engineer Idris Gobir, as confirmed by the member representing Sabon Birni West Constituency in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Boza.
Turji, who has reportedly shifted his base to the eastern part of Isa Local Government Area, also demanded the payment to cover firearms lost during the military operation.
Negotiation with Bandits
According to Hon. Boza, villagers had to negotiate with Turji, who initially demanded N25 million but later reduced it to N22 million.
“He is just like a businessman who has multiple shops and goes around to supervise them. He is currently in the eastern part of Isa. That was where the villagers met him for negotiation,” Boza said.
The lawmaker criticised the military’s approach, stating that their failure to sustain operations in eastern Sokoto had left villagers vulnerable to reprisals from bandits.
“I have always criticised the military for withdrawing after their operations. Each time they leave, it is the villagers who suffer the consequences. The bandits always vent their anger on them,” he said.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Despite multiple visits by the Minister of Defence and assurances that banditry would soon be eradicated, attacks continue in the region.
“Just a few days ago, bandits killed six operatives of the Sokoto Community Guards. I am appealing to the military to intensify and sustain their operations in eastern Sokoto. This is the only way to restore total peace in the area,” Boza added.
In a separate incident, Turji has also demanded a N250,000 ransom from each family of 13 worshippers abducted two weeks ago in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. So far, five captives have been released after their families paid the ransom.