By Sumaila Ogbaje

Product on board a vessel, MT PRAISEL, impounded by Tantita Security Service Ltd. (a private security company, engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPCL), was not stolen crude oil, the Navy has declared.

The declaration was made on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan.

Reacting to the declaration, however, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. alleged that Navy’s declaration was a cover-up even as it admitted that the product on the vessel was not stolen crude oil.

Ayo-Vaughan had on Friday reacted to an allegation in respect of the said vessel which was reported to be conveying stolen crude oil with naval escorts on-board and apprehended by the private security outfit.

He stated that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) gave approval to MT PRAISEL to load 1,114,721 litres of High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO).

The product was to be loaded from Greenmac Energy Storage/Tarus Jetty, at Koko from July 26 to Aug. 8.

He added that due to the allegation of crude oil theft, samples of the product on the vessel were collected in line with laid-down procedures for laboratory analysis and verification of claim.

According to Ayo-Vaughan, results of the laboratory analysis of the product on-board MT PRAISEL by all agencies including NMDPRA indicates that it displayed properties consistent with Nigerian industrial standard specification for HPFO.

“This result, therefore, proves that the allegation and suspicion was totally wrong, unfounded, and perhaps mischievous.

“The intelligence report which TSSL claimed to have received in respect of the vessel and its product is equally wrong.

“This singular incident brings to the fore the high-handedness and unprofessional conduct of TSSL with its attendant negative consequences for the supplier and buyer of the product.

“It also has negative consequences for the vessel hired to convey the product and other parties involved in the legitimate business,’’ the Navy’s spokesman stressed.

Ayo-Vaughan reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to support efforts to halt economic saboteurs and fight against crude oil theft within the ambit of the law and with the best professional conduct.

He stressed that proper precaution must be adhered to by all stakeholders to avoid unnecessary impediment to legitimate commercial activities and businesses in the maritime environment.

According to him maritime security issues entails more than spontaneous actions from insufficient and unverified information.

“The resultant wrong responses have direct impact on the nation’s economy; hence it must be handled dispassionately and professionally.

“All stakeholders and players within the Nigerian maritime environment are advised to adopt the same posture in the overall interest of the nation,” Ayo-Vaughan stated.

Reacting to the position of the Navy, however, TSSNL admitted that NMDPRA approved that MT PRAISEL should load 1,114,721 Litres of HPFO from Greenmac Energy Storage/Tarus Jetty Koko on the said dates.

TSSNL is operated by ex-militant leader, Mr Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

He said: “on Aug. 1, 2023, Tantita received credible intelligence report that a vessel, which had got NMDPRA approval to deliver HPFO from Koko to Lagos Offshore would proceed in the opposite direction.

“On Aug. 2, 2023, Tantita operatives approached the MT PRAISEL as it made its way through a creek in Delta, off the Benin River.

“On board the vessel were naval personnel, while the Tantita inspection crew included officers and men of Operation Delta Safe (the inter-service task force for fighting crude oil theft).

“The intelligence suggested that the vessel ought to be sailing to Lagos, but the master of the vessel showed he was sailing to Bonny,’’ he said.

Tompolo added that Tantita requested naval clearance, and the documentation showed by the Master of the vessel showed Koko as the port of discharge for storage only.

“There was nothing showing Bonny as port of discharge in that document.

“In line with standard procedure, Tantita requested further clarification from the crew regarding the discrepancy between NMDPRA approval and the naval clearance, and permission to take samples of cargo on-board.

“This infuriated the naval personnel on board, who requested Tantita personnel to disembark from the vessel.

“Tantita had no option but to escalate the issue to higher authorities, which mandated that the vessel anchor off Escravos for further investigation,’’ he said.

He said also that Tantita collected samples from the vessel on Aug. 3, 2023 and present at the time of collection were the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“The following day, Tantita woke up to the Naval Headquarters’ press statement, which appears to show that the NMDPRA gave approval to the MT PRAISEL to proceed to Bonny for discharge.

“We are yet to see that documentation, and as we noted, the Nigerian Navy clearance we saw did not state Bonny as the port of discharge.

“In the circumstances, there were reasonable grounds to suspect the movement of MT PRAISEL in the opposite direction from the NMDPRA clearance seen.

“While it is our honest belief that the Naval Headquarters’ press statement was actuated by the best motives, clearly, there are questions that beg for answers.

“For example, why is NMDPRA approved port of discharge (Lagos Offshore) different from the Navy clearance (Koko as storage) and why are both different from the port of discharge stated in the naval press statement (Bonny)?

“In several joint meetings, we have consistently asked for a single clearing house for all approvals so that each agency of government can see what the other is approving or has approved,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to supporting and protecting democracy in Nigeria.

Lagbaja said this at the Passing Out Parade and Commissioning/Oath Taking Ceremony for Executive Commission Course 1/2023, on Saturday in Jaji, Kaduna State.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Lagbaja, the only thing better than democracy for Nigeria in this modern era, is more democracy.

He said that subordination of the military to constituted authority remains the most fashionable means of promoting military professionalism.

The COAS said that the desire of every Nigerian was to have a flourishing and uninterrupted constitutional democratic governance that promotes national values and the interest of every well-meaning Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation.

“I therefore charge all Nigerian army personnel to be proud champions of our flourishing democracy and remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional duties.

“The Nigerian army remains committed to ensuring the security of lives and property across the country.

“We are working assiduously to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and support relevant security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property within the country,” he said.

The Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, who superintended the training of the cadets, said that the commissioned officers had been imbued with requisite skills to function as officers.

Olatoye said that the newly commissioned officers had been trained to be loyal, courageous and dedicated in their service to the nation.

According to the statement, Nwachukwu said the COAS, afterwards,  conferred Presidential Commission on the Passing out Cadets, to the rank of Lieutenant, after which the Oath of Allegiance was administered to them.

He said the 239 passing out cadets comprising 12 females and 228 males were already in service as soldiers drawn from various corps who were selected for Executive Commissioning, after three months of intensive military training.

According to him, three cadets emerged in flying colours amongst their contemporaries.

Cadet A Saminu came first in order of merit, while Cadet SC Nwokanta came second and Cadet OY Yahaya bagged the third position.

“Highpoint of the event was the presentation of Parchment of Commission to the newly commissioned Officers.

“After the Commissioning ceremony, the COAS paid an empathy visit to officers and soldiers who were wounded in action during operational engagements at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expressed confidence in the capability of the Nigerian Army to address the nation’s security challenges.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in Abuja.

Ugochinyere expressed confidence on the army, when he led members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja in Abuja.

The lawmaker said the army chief had taken the right steps in dealing with emerging security challenges while making effort to ensure peace and stability in the nation.

He assured the COAS of the preparedness of the committee to partner with the army in protecting national economic interest and territorial integrity.

The COAS in his response, appreciated the lawmakers for the visit and their confidence on the Nigerian army’s capability to restore sanity in troubled areas of the country.

Lagbaja disclosed to members of the committee that all troubled areas had been mapped out and receiving due attention.

He added that the army would continue to enhance both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to keep the country safe and secured.

The army chief also conveyed the willingness of the troops and commanders under his command to continue to partner with the National Assembly, as well as other critical stakeholders to achieve its constitutional responsibilities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Idris Abdulrahman

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Friday graduated the first set of DEPOWA Daycare, Nursery, Primary and Secondary School in Abuja.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, promised to ensure that the association continues to deliver qualitative and affordable education to wards of military personnel and other members of the society.

Musa said the graduation marked a significant milestone in the history of the school, DEPOWA and the barracks community.

While congratulating the graduating pupils and wards, she said they had conquered challenges, embraced growth and emerge as shining examples of what could  be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

“As you begin a new chapter in your lives, I urge you to reflect on the valuable lessons you have learned within this world and remember that education extends beyond your textbooks, as the development of your character will determine your sources in life.

“To my graduating students and pupils, you should know that character stands for compassion, so you must be compassionate.

“It also stands for honesty, accountability, adaptability and courage,” she said.

The DEPOWA president commended the staff and teachers for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the success of the pupils and students.

She said the teachers had had been the guides and mentors who had invested time and expertise in helping the students grow academically and personally.

“I make bold to say that as the 15^th President of DEPOWA, I remain resolute to ensuring the provision of quality education in the DEPOWA, Daycare, Nursery, Primary and Secondary school.

“Because education is the most powerful weapon which could be used to change the world,” she added.

Commandant, DEPOWA Schools, Sqr Leader Roqibat Akerele-Alatishe, said the school started as a pilot project in 2001 to provide assistance to parents within the barrack, and had blossomed over the years to graduate the first set of pupils and students.

Akerele-Alatishe thanked the leaders of DEPOWA for their unwavering support towards the progress and success of the school.

She also commended the teachers for their commitment and dedication to ensuring that the school raised great minds and great leaders of tomorrow.

The commandant urged the graduating student to always remember the lessons they learnt and the values they had embraced by staying curious, kind, and never stop pursuing their dreams.

“As you embark on the next chapter of your lives, believe in your abilities and embrace the new opportunities because the world awaits your unique talents and contributions.

“As you start another phase of your life, I would like you to always remember to make discipline your watchword and priority, and the sky will be your starting point,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigeria Navy Headquarters, has debunked allegations in a publication that Navy personnel aboard Motor Tanker (MT) PRAISEL were aiding oil theft.

The Navy’s Director of Information, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, said on Friday that the personnel only escorted the vessel for thorough investigation of its contents.

Ayo-Vaughan said that MT PRAISEL is owned by a private security outfit, Tantita Security Service Limited (TSSL).

He said TSSL was duly approved by Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to load 1,114,721 Litres of High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) from Greenmac Energy Storage/Tarus Jetty Koko from  July 26 to Aug. 8.

This, he said, had been substantiated by NMDPRA.

According to him, in line with Standard Operating Procedure and strict compliance with the NMDPRA approval, navy personnel were deployed on-board to monitor the discharge of the product by MT PRAISEL at a facility in Bonny.

“However, on Aug. 2, TSSL claiming to act on intelligence alleged that the vessel was laden with stolen crude oil and thereafter approached an element of Operation DELTA SAFE to board the vessel in order to verify the alleged stolen product.

“Accordingly, the NN directed the vessel to Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS anchorage for further investigation of the product on-board.

“The samples of the product on-board MT PRAISEL were collected on Thursday August 3, 2023 by five agencies including Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), NMDPRA and also TSSL in line with laid procedures for laboratory test and verification of the claim.

“As the lead agency in the fight against maritime crimes, the NN has always been at the vanguard of supporting every single effort to halt economic saboteurs of our country,” he said.

The Naval Spokesman said that while it was desirable for all hands to be on deck in the fight against crude oil theft, necessary precaution must be adhered to by all stakeholders.

This he said was to avoid unnecessary impediment to legitimate commercial activities and businesses in the maritime environment that have far reaching consequences for the nation’s economy.

He appealed to the general public to await the laboratory test result of the product and in-depth investigations on the allegation.

According to him, the Nigerian navy under the able leadership of Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, is poised to ensure transparency, interagency cooperation and synergy in the fight against illegalities and criminality in Nigeria’s maritime environment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Obinna Unaeze/Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have in the last two weeks eliminated 36 terrorists and apprehended no fewer than 163 suspected criminals and gunmen across theatres of operation.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this while giving update on the operations of the armed forces at the bi-weekly news briefing on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops arrested 137 gunmen, three gunrunners, two kidnappers, six collaborators, 15 perpetrators of oil theft, two kidnappers and six collaborators.

The defence spokesman said the troops also recovered the sum of N3.1 million, rescued 140 kidnapped hostages, recovered 37 weapons and 370 ammunition.

He listed the arms recovered as 16 AK47 rifles, six pump action guns, six Dane guns, three fabricated rifles, two locally made pistol, 199 rounds of 7.62mm special, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO, nine AK47 magazines and two G3 magazines.

“Also recovered were eight vehicles, 45 motorcycles, 32 mobile phones and 925 machetes, and 151 machete sharpeners.”

On oil theft, Buba said the troops discovered and destroyed 61 dugout pits, 32 wooden boats, 87 storage tanks, one speedboat, 32 cooking ovens, three outboard engine, one generator, two pumping machines and 36 illegal refining sites.

He added that 310,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 14,675 litres Automotive Gas Oil, 49,000 Dual Purpose Kerosene and five litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised nine terrorists and arrested 19 insurgents, six terrorist collaborators and couriers and rescued 12 hostages within the period.

He said a total of 313 terrorists comprising 12 male adults, 138 female adults and 162 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatres of operation.

According to him, the Air component attacked and degraded terrorists who were gathered at a hideout in Wulade.

In North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stoke conducted several operations in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba, eliminating and apprehending criminals.

He said the troops of Op Safe Haven recovered two AK 47 rifles, three Dane guns, 15 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and a pair of military uniform belonging to a dismissed soldier identified as Bashir Abass.

According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that one of the recovered AK 47 rifle belongs to the dismissed soldier who is at large with two terrorists members.

“In the course of operations, troops recovered three AK47 rifles, three Dane guns, one locally fabricated pistol, one locally made gun, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special, one cartridge, three mobile phones, a pair of camouflage, jack knife

“In the course of operation, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recovered one pistol, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special, four rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two G3 magazines, one vehicle, one motorcycle, one mobile phone and a pair of black boots.

“Additionally, troops neutralised one terrorist, arrested 13 suspects and rescued nine kidnapped hostages,” he said.

In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescued kidnapped hostages and arrested some terrorists in Jibia, Matazu and Funtua Local Government Areas all in Katsina State.

He said that troops also foiled attacks on farmers, conducted several air interdictions and recovered arms and ammunition in Maru and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamfara.

He added that troops rescued 20 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle, four AK47 rifle magazines, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and 80 livestock.

According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Punch arrested a bandit collaborator and logistics supply, rescued kidnapped hostages and recovered weapons and ammunition in Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

“The air component conducted acquired target on terrorist camp at Hanawanka, a Boko Haram Terrorist camp in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State where terrorists were neutralised with bombs and rockets.

“The operation is one of several conducted by the air component.

“In the course of operation, the troops neutralised 11 terrorists and recovered two fabricated rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special, three motorcycles and 80 livestock.

“Troops also arrested 16 terrorist, logistic suppliers or collaborators and rescued two kidnapped hostages,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/MZA

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed