September 16, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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1 Culture: China reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Nigeria

2 Nigeria’s road to vaccine self-sufficiency: The challenges, prospects

3 Foundation urges government to address hospital malnutrition

4 Information minister lauds retired PS, commits to mandate

5 Africa at critical junction in search for peace –Ibn Chambas

Oil & Gas

NEITI seeks technical support from Australia, others

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has sought for technical assistance from Australia, Belgium and Canada to deepen Nigeria’s extractive industry reforms.

The reform programme is designed to deal with challenges of corruption, oil theft, illegal mining, stealing of minerals, pipeline vandalisation and associated governance challenges.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of the NEITI, made the call during a courtesy visit by the Belgian Ambassador and High Commissioners of Australia and Canada to NEITI House, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visiting diplomats include the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Leilani Bin-Juda, Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt and Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff.

The visit focuses on engendering partnership and exploring ways to deepen engagement.

Orji therefore called for collaboration on anti-corruption and natural resource governance, capacity building, diplomatic support and engagement, information, data and knowledge sharing.

“As supporting member countries to the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), your visit is an opportunity to seek and domesticate technical support of your respective countries to the EITI.

“This will connect directly with Nigerian citizens who earnestly desire that the abundant natural resources in this country works for the benefit of all, not just a few,” he said.

According to Orji, NEITI’s legitimate interest is to save Nigeria from continuing loss of revenues and investment opportunities in the sector.

He said that NEITI’s industry reports and recommendations over the years supported local and global partnerships as well as collaboration to address the challenges.

Orji said that such partnership between NEITI and the countries would provide the opportunity and linkage given its in-depth exposure to the issues and challenges at the grassroots.

He described the visit as a huge encouragement to NEITI, and an endorsement of its strong international affiliation and partnership with 57 other resource-rich countries under the global EITI.

He said the fully automated NEITI Data Centre was completed, and awaiting unveiling, adding that the centre has been adjudged as the first of its kind among the 57 EITI-implementing countries.

“It is a one-stop shop for information and data on Nigeria’s extractive sector (consisting of oil, gas and solid minerals)”.

Amb. Sunday Adoli, Member, NEITI, National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), North Central Representative, lauded the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and partners that encouraged more cooperation to boost activities in extractive industries.

In his remarks,  Leenknegt pledged more support to the global EITI and NEITI in fostering transparency, accountability and good governance.

Also, Christoff expressed satisfaction with the NEITI’s activities, lauded its data centre, and emphasised the need for data to achieve transparency, public enlightenment and good governance between all tiers of governments.

On partnership, Christoff said the Canadian government had an existing partnership with Nigeria on anti corruption, adding that it would be sustained.

While Bin-Juda commended NEITI over the production of policy reports for information and contextual balance, thereby endorsing partnership on information and knowledge sharing.

Highlights of the visit are a facility tour of the new NIETI Data Centre and the presentation of plagues to the dignitaries by the NEITI boss.

The centre will also serve as a reservoir for all information and data published in the various NEITI Annual Industry Reports since the first edition in 2004 till date. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP)
General News

HYPREP coordinator urges intensified campaign against oil theft, vandalism

By Precious Akutamadu

Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has called for intensified campaign against pipeline vandalism oil theft in the country.

Zabbey made the call in Port Harcourt on Wednesday while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.

He said that oil theft, pipeline vandalism and artisanal refining had become hydra-headed monsters staring the nation’s oil industry in the face.

Zabbey said that the world environment day was a wake up call on HYPREP’s mission and the ongoing clean up efforts in Ogoni land.

“The day provides us an opportunity to reflect, design and facilitate approaches to protect our land and commonwealth.

“It is an opportunity to restore degraded areas and discourage human activities that compromise the integrity of the environment and biodiversity,” he said.

He said that all hands should be on deck to tackle the challenge of oil pollution occasioned by oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and artisanal refining.

“We need to all stand up to protect our environment by not polluting it and taking deliberate steps to make it safe,” he said.

The project coordinator reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment towards the remediation and restoration of oil impacted areas in Ogoni.
“The future of the Ogoni people and the Niger Delta region at large is hugely dependent on their land.

“HYPREP is equipped to lead the process of protecting the land and environment. So, a holistic approach is required to address the endemic trends that negatively impact our land.

“We are remediating degraded lands and shorelines, restoring mangroves, providing potable water and strengthening public health systems,” he said.

Zabbey said that HYPREP’s approach to community engagement was inclusive, consultative and participatory.

“This is because true restoration goes beyond environmental clean-up. We are actively involving local communities in our projects,” he said.

NAN reports that the theme for this year’s World Environment Day celebration is : “Our land, Our future: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Azubuike Okeh

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, receiving the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu
General News , Oil & Gas

FG reiterates commitment to tackle oil theft in Niger Delta

By Dorcas Jonah

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed the Federal Government’s determination to tackle oil theft and vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

Lokpobiri said this when the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), retired Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu, led his team on a visit to the ministry on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister promised to collaborate with the programme to sustain the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.

Lokpobiri commended Ndiomu and his team for their dedication in supporting the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at creating conducive environment for investors and promoting national prosperity.

He emphasised the importance of continuing to pursue measures to achieve economic prosperity.

In his remarks, the amnesty boss promised to continue to put in more efforts to ensure that the peace being presently witnessed in Niger Delta was sustained.

Ndiomu said that there had been a drastic reduction in oil theft since the Minister assumed office.

He reiterated his commitment to work with the ministry towards a more prosperous and secure future for the Niger Delta and the nation as a whole. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Oil & Gas

Oil theft: Northern group lauds Kyari’s move to engage private security

By Angela Atabo/Diana Omueza

The Northern Youth Progressive Network has lauded Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), over his plans to engage private outfit to guard nation’s oil facilities against theft.

The Convener of the network, Mr Bala Mohammed, said this at a news conference on safeguarding of the nation’s critical oil infrastructure in Abuja on Monday.

Mohammed said that the spate of oil theft in the country had become worrisome and there was need to address it headlong.

He commended Nigerian security outfits that had been working to curtail oil theft, adding that the private security outfit would provide more support.

“The Northern Youth Progressive Network expresses our strong support for the decision of our leader Malam Mele for thinking outside the box and engaging the services of private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria limited.

“Importantly also, we salute President Bola Tinubu for renewing the contract engagement. We only had thought that it will be expanded to cover the entire Niger-Delta.

“We consider the decision of Malam Mele Kyari as patriotic and noble just like the decision of late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua who granted amnesty to Niger- Delta militant that provided a lasting solution to the crisis in the Niger-Delta.

“We are optimistic that the engagement of Tantita Security services Nigeria limited, will bring a permanent solution to the issue of oil theft in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Mohammed said that the Niger Delta played a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy being home to significant oil and gas reserves.

He said to this end, the infrastructure that supported the extraction, production, and transportation of the resources was of utmost importance to the nation’s overall stability and prosperity.

“ However, we have witnessed a series of attacks, sabotage, and vandalism directed towards these critical oil infrastructures, leading to immense economic losses and disruptions.

“We also acknowledge that sustainable development in the Nigerian state is interconnected with the security of oil infrastructures.

“ It is imperative that we address the underlying issues that contribute to attacks on these facilities, such as community grievances, environmental concerns, and socio- economic challenges,” he said.

Mohammed, therefore, called on the Tantita Security Operations to work in tandem with comprehensive development initiatives to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the local communities.

He also stressed the need to curb oil spillage which had devastating consequences on the livelihoods of local communities, particularly those dependent on fishing and farming.

He said that the loss of means of sustenance had led to economic hardships and food insecurity in the Niger Delta in spite of being a region rich in natural resources.

He called on the Federal Government not to undermine the genuine commitment of Tantita Security Services over the years as they had been able to arrest Mt Kali vessel at the Pennington oil platform in Bayelsa and several others.

Mohammed said that the Tantita security services had also done well by protecting Nigeria’s national assets in the oil sector which was evident in the increase in crude oil output from 500 thousand barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day.

“Our position is that there must be arrest, prosecution confiscation of assets both in liquid and valuables to serve as deterrence to those who are hell bent in economy sabotage no matter whose ox is gore,’’he said.

Mohammed called on the government to demonstrate the political will in the fight against oil theft in Nigeria by prosecuting those investigated by Tantita Security Services and make the investigation public.

“As representatives of the most critical youth structure in the North, we recognise the vital role that secure and functional oil infrastructures play in our nation’s development.

“The revenue generated from the oil and gas sector drives economic growth, funds critical social programmes, and provides employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

“So protecting these infrastructures is not only crucial for the region but for the entire country,’’he said.(NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
Oil & Gas

NUPRC boss seeks collaboration with police to combat oil theft

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, is seeking enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Police toward curbing oil theft in the country.

The CCE said the collaboration would help to arrest the daunting challenge of oil theft in Nigeria’s petroleum sector,

Komolafe emphasised the urgent need for a united front against the escalating challenges posed by the menace when he visited the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force, kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Komolafe, in a statement signed by Mrs Victoria Okefe, Manager, Corporate Communications, said the collaboration was necessary to curb the illicit activities which had plagued the nation’s oil and gas industry.

Painting a horrid picture of the menace and the detrimental effect it has on the countrys economy, the NUPRC boss underscored the importance of joint efforts to safeguarding Nigeria’s commonwealth.

After briefing the Inspector General on the efforts made so far by the Commission, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant agencies of government, the CCE said arresting the menace required a joint approach and strategic coordination.

He said this informed his decision to seek partnership with the Nigerian Police to leverage its expertise in law enforcement, particularly in apprehending and prosecuting perpetrators.

Responding to the request, the Inspector General acknowledged the severe impact of oil theft on both the financial landscape and the reputation of the country.

Egbetokun agreed on the need for urgent action to deal with the situation for the sake of the growth and stability of the national economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

Oil theft, an organised crime in the Niger Delta region
Oil & Gas

FG tasks oil experts on solutions to local industry challenges

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has tasked oil and gas experts to proffer permanent solutions to challenges ranging from low productivity, oil theft, pipeline vandalism and gas flaring in the local oil industry.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), made the call on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of the third Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST 2023).

The conference, organised by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and hosted by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), aimed at resuscitating the observable decline in the nation’s oil production and embracing innovative research as practiced by the developed nations.

Lokpobiri said Nigeria had played major roles in the global oil industry and Africa in particular, hence the need to sustain its position.

“Nigeria has been a big player in the oil and gas industry both in Africa and globally. For us to sustain our place globally, we need to tackle challenges and key into what is trending globally.

“My expectations at the end of this conference is for us to come up with home grown solutions to address our problems in the petroleum industry.

“Nigeria have so many problems in the industry, I believe that the conference would come up with solutions to address those challenges and also produce document that will be implementable,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Henry Adimula Principal/Chief Executive, PTI, said the conference underscored the need to shape the destiny of Nigeria’s oil/gas industry.

Adimula added that the essence of the conference was to explore, dissect, and contribute to a future teeming with possibilities.

He acknowledged the pioneering research conducted by the PTI which had substantially influenced the discussions.

“PTI’s development of economic models for gas investment, spanning the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, and creation of Modified Unit Technical Cost Model for oil and gas investment, ensures precise determination of the cost to produce a standard cubic foot of gas.

“These achievements underscore PTI’s dedication to innovative and environmentally responsible hydrocarbon resource utilisation,” he said.

Adimula said its collaborative research with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Research and Development Division had resulted in steps towards efficient storage system for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in powered tricycles.

According to him, this pioneering initiative marks a substantial stride towards sustainable energy solutions and cleaner transportation methods.

He said its strides in research and innovation also yielded results especially in securing a patent for the ‘Method of Improving the Rheological Properties of Potassium-Based Bentonite Clay’ under Nigerian Patent No NG/P/2020/200 as duly registered with the Nigerian Patents and Designs Registry.

These innovations, he said, reflected its steadfast dedication to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to pioneering research and development.

Mr Ahmed Aminu, the Executive Secretary PTDF, represented by Mrs Ifeoma Nwokike, General Manager Projects, in his address said the oil/gas sector, especially in Nigeria, was at an intersection of complex challenges and unprecedented opportunities.

According to Aminu, the industry grapples with a myriad of issues, from technological hurdles, research limitations, and the dwindling landscape of investments and finance.

The situation, he said underscored the importance of bolstering research funding and technological development to boost the sector.

“The imminent commencement of the Dangote Oil Refinery, the completion of pivotal pipeline infrastructure like the AKK, and the production initiatives at Komani oil field in Northern Nigeria, present a hopeful panorama of opportunities that can reinvigorate the industry,” he said.

In his keynote address, Dr Omar Ibrahim, the Secretary-General, African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), identified the biggest victims of a speedy energy transition as the developing countries, especially those from Africa.

Ibrahim said the organisation had played major role in the sector by identifying three imminent challenges namely technology, expertise and markets.

“To create this future, the APPO Ministerial Council approved the recommendations of the APPO Long Term Strategy Committee to take three practical steps to address the imminent challenges,” he said.

The theme of the conference is: ‘The Future of the Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities, Challenges and Development’. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News , Economy/Business

Reps c’ttee to unveil identity of crude oil thieves

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue from gas has vowed to unveil identities of those behind oil theft in the country.

Rep. Kabiru Rurum, chairman of the committee said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of its investigative hearing slated for Sept. 7.

He said the oil sector remained the major source of revenue for the country, adding that it was determined that the investigation would not be like the previous ones.

According to him, oil and gas are the major areas where the country gets its resources but the problem of oil theft has continued to go from bad to worse on a daily basis.

“The purpose of the committee is to reveal who and who are the architect of what is going on in the area of crude oil theft.”

He said apportioning blame to security agencies would not suffice, adding that stakeholders in the oil sectors should be held responsible including Chevron, Shell, communities among others

“We need to identify the culprists, this is the purpose of the investigation, everybody including critical stakeholders should come and tell us their side of the story.

He said the modalities and ways to stop or minimise theft in the oil sector should be suggested by all stakeholders which was the main purpose of the committee.

He said the committee had invited the Nigerian Navy as the custodian of the nation’s water, Airforce, Civil Defence, Police Intelligence Agency among others.

According to him, the challenges confronting the oil sector and the probable solution will be discussed

He said the Norwagean Embassy which had earlier promised Nigeria to assist in three areas to curtail oil theft had been invited to proffer solution.

He said its recommendation would be firm because the government knew that there were serious challenges in the sector, adding that it would work in synergy with the National Security Adviser.

it would be recalled that Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) had earlier moved a motion on the need to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue accrued from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria

The house, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the issues and ensured that everyone complicit in the theft was brought to book.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

Defence/Security

Navy has zero tolerance for oil theft – CNS

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to stamp out the menace of oil theft and other crimes in the nation’s maritime domain.

 

Ogalla reiterated this at the opening of the CNS 2023 Retreat with Principal Staff Officers, Flag Officers Commanding and Commanders, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

He said that naval personnel and the service were duty bound to reverse the impression in terms of securing the maritime domain and stamping out oil theft in Nigeria.

 

“I therefore want to make this clear that under my watch there is zero tolerance for oil theft. Any officer or rating or any person who is found to be involved in oil theft will be punished to the full extent of the law.

 

“We will not fear anyone. I expect you to go back and educate your officers and ratings about the menace of oil theft.

 

“The government looks up to us to lead the fires and we have no option but to do just that,” he said.

 

He said that in view of this, the navy must work together with sister services, the armed forces, the police and other military and security agencies to stamp out the measures of all attempts.

 

According to him, Nigerians expect the navy to remain above reproach, above board and to remain law-abiding as a force they can admire and rely upon.

 

The CNS said that the event was an opportunity for participants to interact and evaluate the state of affairs in the navy.

 

He said this was with regards to tackling the security challenges that had been having devastating impacts on the country and undermining its national security and development.

 

He explained that President Bola Tinubu had given them marching orders to deal decisively with all security challenges facing the country.

 

He added that the event was in line with the president’s directive and his vision statement.

 

The vision statement he said is: “to have a highly motivated professional naval force capable of shaping the security outcomes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the littorals including land-based engagements in fulfilment of Nigeria’s national interest”.

 

He also said his mission statement is: “to Maintain and equip a professional competent and ethical naval force while leveraging on all elements of national power for the effective defence of Nigeria’s  maritime area of interest against all forms of threat in fulfilment of national security imperatives”.

 

“I gave my Command Philosophy which is anchored on leading with integrity, courage and relentless pursuit for excellence in consonance with the core values of the Nigerian navy.

 

“My Strategic End-state is the attainment of a safe and secured maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea to enable wealth creation, economic prosperity as well as national security, growth and development.

 

“In tandem with this, I have issued the Chief of the Naval Staff, Strategic Directive 2023–6 which highlights the expected deliverables along the 9 Lines of Development (LoDs) of the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan (NNSP) 2021 -2030.

 

“It is imperative that all of you immediately key into the vision so that together, we can take the NN to greater heights,” he said.

 

Ogalla said the navy had in the past few years, achieved significant milestones in operations, fleet recapitalisation, infrastructure and human resource managements as part of a comprehensive transformation plan articulated to guide the service in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.

 

He said that the navy had taken steps to be innovative in its approaches with the evolving nature of threats in the nation’s maritime domain.

 

According to the CNS, the navy under his watch is determined to rebuild the conceptual, moral and physical components of its fighting power.

 

“My top priorities, therefore, would be to diligently implement the provisions of the NNSP 2021 -2030.

 

“Let me, however, mention that while no effort will be spared in achieving these goals, it is command responsibility to ensure the sustenance and maintenance of all facilities, equipment and platforms.

 

“To set a clear direction and build momentum, we identified some quick impact projects and conceptual initiatives that would be completed and commissioned within my First 100 days in office,” he said.

 

He urged commanders to uphold discipline in their commands, be role models to their officers and men, set high standards of conduct and enforce the rules fairly and consistently.

 

He also directed them to enhance Civil-Military Cooperation and relations with civilians in their areas of operation, noting that the people should see them as partners to be able to support their efforts and cooperate with them.

 

Ogalla  dismissed the allegation that naval personnel were involved in oil theft, assuring that the service would not spare any personnel found wanting or culpable in the crime.

 

He also charged commanders to be mindful of the welfare of those under them, saying that prioritising the welfare of their subordinates is essential to mission success.

 

He pledged to provide opportunities for job satisfaction and self-actualisation as well as recognise and reward hard work and dedication.

 

He added that issues relating to personnel accommodation, uniform items and appointment/draft cycle were already receiving attention.

 

In his remarks, the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, said the retreat would afford them the opportunity to review the threat environment and their operations, with a view to identifying gaps that could be addressed for better performance.

 

Akpan expressed hope that the discussions would be incisive, innovative and provocative with a view to have frank discussions about what is working and what is not.

 

He thanked the CNS for his focused and visionary leadership and assured him that the officers are committed to upholding the highest standard of ethics and integrity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

Defence/Security

Oil theft: Navy hands over MT TECNE vessel to EFCC in Delta

By Edeki Igafe

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA has handed over MT TECNE vessel to the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The impounded vessel laden with 1,905.8 metric tons of products suspected to be stolen crude oil, was handed over to the anti-graft agency on Friday at the Warri Naval Base.

The EFCC consequently handed over the vessel to Showboy Integrated Services, who is now the buyer of the property.

Capt. Solomon Paul, Executive Officer of the NNS DELTA, released the vessel to the representatives of the EFCC on behalf of the Commander, NNS DELTA, Commodore Chindo Yahaya.

Addressing newsmen, Commodore Yahaya said that the vessel was released on the directives from the Naval Headquarters.

He said that the ship was apprehended on April 25, 2017 by the operatives of the NNS DELTA within the Warri waterways.

“It will be recalled that MT TECNE was apprehended on April 25, 2017 for engaging in illegal oil bunkering in the Warri waterways.

“Preliminary investigation reports had it that the vessel was laden with 1,905. 83 metric tonnes of crude oil allegedly stolen. The vessel was earlier handed over to the EFCC for prosecution.

“Consequently, at the end of the court case, the Naval Headquarters has directed the revocation of the product and subsequent release of the vessel to Showboy Integrated Services.

“On this note, I have handed over the vessel to the representatives of the EFCC for subsequent handing over to the Showboy Integrated Services,” he said.

Mr Lawan Ado, representative of the EFCC, Port Harcourt, received the vessel on behalf of the anti-graft agency.

“After a successful investigation and prosecution, we are able to secure the condition and the vessel is finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

“And we have auctioned it to Showboy Integrated Services. We are here to hand it over to the company’s representatives,” Ado said.

On his part, Mr Adetokunbo Arowojolu, the representative of Showboy Integrated Services, said that the vessel would be used for legitimate businesses. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran/Joseph Edeh

Defence/Security

Oil theft: Police receive 5 suspects from Nigerian Navy

By Moses Omorogieva

The Nigerian Navy (NNS) Commander Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, Commodore Kolawale Oguntuga, on Friday handed over five suspects allegedly arrested for oil theft to the Lagos State Police Command.

 

Oguntade said the suspects were arrested on the waterways in Itolu community, Lekki area of Lagos on Tuesday, by NNS operatives patrol team, stationed at Forward Operations Base (FOB) Lekki.

 

He said the operatives heard a gun shot and in a swift response to a distress call by some youths in the area, the suspects were arrested while other members of the gang, whom they also sighted in two other wooden boats escaped.

 

The commander said that the team recovered a boat engine and arrested four suspects wearing Tantitan Security Pipeline Surveillance employees and one boat operator.

 

“Upon arrival at the scene, the naval team met four individuals dressed in black polo shirts with TANTITAN inscribed on the back, trying to recover a dismantled outboard engine from a local.

 

 

 

“It was after their arrest that the patrol team realised that the four individuals were part of a movement of a large wooden boat with two fibre boats.

 

“The four individuals beckoned on the two fibre boats to approach them, but when they noticed NN patrol teams, the boats altered courses, fled and abandoned the large wooden boat laden with 11 x 1000L Geepee tanks with product suspected to be stolen crude oil,” he said.

 

Oguntade said the suspects were handed over to the police as part of the synergies in crime fighting by NNS, for further investigation and prosecution.

 

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Idowu Owohunwa, who received the suspects and the exhibits at the command’s headquarters Ikeja, commended the NNS for the synergy in crime fighting in Lagos State.

 

Owohunwa said that the handing over of the suspects to the police, is a sign that security agencies operating in Lagos are united in crime fighting.

 

“We are taking the suspects for further investigation. We will track down those at large. This synergy is a continuous operation,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that five suspects and one boat engine were paraded before newsmen at Ikeja while the 11 x 1000L Geepee tanks with products suspected to be stolen crude oil were left in the custody of the NNS in Lekki. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

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