Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites – Newstrends
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Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

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Nigerian military Troops

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

1. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in 9 different operations across the length and breath of the country. Accordingly, there are operational theatres within the 6 geopolitical zones aimed at addressing various security challenges.

2. This brief will cover significant operational activities across the 6 geopolitical zones for the period 13 – 20 July 2023. The brief will begin with the North East and North Central zones. Then, the North West, South South and South East zones.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
3. During the period under review troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized some terrorists in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops also arrested high profile terrorist collaborators in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Owing to troops onslaught, some active terrorists fighters also surrendered to troops. They claimed that they have lost interest in the terrorist ideology. This is not unconnected with media operation of the military
a. Troops Neutralized terrorist. On 13 Jul 23, Troops conducted fighting patrol to Awada in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and captured 2 others as well as rescued one victim.

b. Arrest Terrorist collaborator. On 11 Jul 23, troops arrested a high-profile terrorist collaborator identified as Bulama Suri. He is a terrorist spy and collaborator residing at Gaulawa and Gwazari villages in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Items recovered from the terrorists were generally food item and 2 cows.

c. Surrendered of BH/ISWAP Terrorist. On 12 Jul 23, following troops onslaught, 9 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre operations. The surrendered terrorists claimed to have lost interest in the terrorist ideology arising from troops operations. Items recovered from the terrorists include; 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones.

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4. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air operations against terrorist enclaves and their logistics bases in order to degrade them. Notably, the air component conducted air reconnaissance and intelligence at terrorist’ hideouts in Hyawa in Borno State. The location was active with terrorists activities, acquired and subsequently attacked with bombs. After action review revealed that many of the terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

5. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, 2 Cow, food stuffs, condiment, one cart and the sum of Two Million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N2,104,000.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 8 suspected terrorists collaborators. Troops rescued10 kidnapped civilians during these operations.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided criminal hideouts and recovered weapons. Troops also got ambushed along Road Mangu – Pushit while responding to distress call about assailants attacking citizens in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops charged though and overcame the ambush. Troops also neutralized 3 of the assailants in the process, while others fled.
a. Troops Raid Criminal Hideout and Recover Weapon. On 10 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided students rented accommodation at Haske village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected criminals and recovered a fabricated pistol, cartridge, machete and axe.
b. Troops Ambushed in Mangu
(1). On 12 July 23, troops while responding to a distress call on criminals attack at Mangu village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State were ambushed along Rd Mangu – Pushit by suspected criminals. During the ambush, troops neutralized 3 of the criminals while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one Motorcycle and a fake NP officer ID Card. Investigation on going.
(2). On 11 July 23, troops of 176 Guards Bn arrested one suspected criminal at Gbau Village in Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory with one locally made pistol, one mobile phone and one Pump action ammo. Suspect was handed over to NP Gwagwalada Div for further action.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE raided kidnappers’ hideouts at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government of Nasarawa State. In a separate operation, troops rescued kidnapped victims at Chinkai Forest in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
a. Troops Raid Kidnapper Hideout. On 11 Jul 23, troops deployed at Giza raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Following the raid, troops arrested one suspected kidnapper and recovered one mobile phone and the sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (₦35,000.00). Investigation ongoing.

b. Rescue of Kidnapped Victim. On 11 July 23, troops deployed at Sondi and Kente responded to information on suspected kidnapping activities at Chinkai Forest axis in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State but the criminals fled before troops arrival. Troops however exploited the general area and rescued one victim with injuries. The rescued victim was evacuation to a nearby Hospital for medical attention.

8. Summary. In the course of the operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Pump action ammo, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 motorcycle, cartridge, 1 mobile phone, machete, axe, fake Nigerian Police ID card and the sum of N35,000.00 only. Troops also neutralized 9 bandits and arrested 10 suspects while rescuing 9 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
9. Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI raided bandit hideouts in 5 separate operations conducted during the period. Troops fighting patrol conducted operations around villages, towns and mountains at Batsari, Tangaza and Maru Local Government Areas of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara State respectively

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a. On 10 July 23, troops responded to information on terrorist attack at Nahuta village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles and one Dane gun as well as destroyed the terrorist camp and storage facilities.

b. On 11 July 23, troops at FOB GWADABAWA responded to info from the Commander Niger Republic Border patrol team on terrorists’ hideout at Tapkin Taramna general area in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State and arrested 6 suspected terrorists. Preliminary investigation revealed that all suspects are Nigeriens.

c. Similarly, On 13 July 23, troops at FOB TANGAZA responded to information at Chekeihi village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State that terrorist placed levy of One Million Naira (N1,000,0000) on the village or risk being attack. On arrival, troops apprehended 2 suspected terrorists.

d. On 13 July 23, following a tip off, troops at FOB DANJIBGA arrested one suspected terrorist collaborator tasked by a notorious terrorist kingpin Nagala Jabbi to move livestock from Magami general area to Danjibga Cattle Market in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops recovered the sum of One million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N1,104,000) only. Suspect and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

e. On 14 July 23, troops at FOB FANGALTAMA responded to info of terrorists rustling animals in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State enroute Sububu Forest. On arrival, the terrorists fled abandoning 33 cattle and 188 sheep. Recovered livestock is being handed over to the Committee on Recovered Rustled Animals in Zamfara State.

10. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted several air operations to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, on 10 July 23, following INTEL and confirmatory ISR a terrorists enclave was uncovered. Thereafter, air interdiction was conducted at Babban Gida in Kankara and Sola in Jibia Local Government Areas. The targets were acquired and successfully engaged with rockets dislodging the terrorists.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

11. During the period under review, troops ambushed and neutralized terrorists in Igabi Local Government Area. In a separate operation, troops fighting patrol made contact and neutralize some terrorists in Birni Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
a. Ambush. On 11 July 23, troops ambush for suspected terrorists moving with rustled cattle made contact at Foundation Diversion in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones. Recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

b. Troops Fighting Patrol Neutralize Terrorist. Between 10 and 12 July 2023, troops fighting patrol at Damari, Saulawa and Mai Jakana general area in Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists, recovered 3 Motorcycles, 72 cows and 29 sheep.

12. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted several air interdictions to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdictions at Shalupe, a newly uncovered Boko Haram Terrorist location in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The targets were acquired and successfully attack with rocket which destroyed some of their huts, damaging buildings and dislodging the terrorists.

13. Summary. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 dane gun, 5 motorcycles, 2 phones and 322 livestock. Troops also arrested 15 suspected criminals and rescued 20 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
14. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intercepted and destroyed a vessel involved in crude oil theft. Troops also destroyed several illegal refining sites. While the air component conducted air interdiction to destroy active illegal refining sites.

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a. Interception and Destruction of Vessel
(1). On 7 July 23, troops and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors intercepted a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects (a Ghanian and 11 Nigerians). The vessel was arrested between the boundaries of Delta and Ondo State. The vessel, MT TURA II reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres. The vessel was previously named ALI RITA BEY.

(2). Close inspection on the vessel revealed that only two compartments were partially filled with about 150 metric tonnes which is approximately 178,000 litres. This quantity is less than a quarter of the vessel. The vessel upon arrest was moved to Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

(3). The voyage of the vessel revealed that it originated from Lagos and was heading to Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel captain admitted to having been engaged in same illegal activities for over four years. On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft.

b. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites
(1) Troops discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunitions, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles. Troops also arrested 25 suspected economic saboteurs.

(2). On 10 Jul 23, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE with Pilgrims Security Service personnel responded to criminal activities around Chinese Camp in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Troops pursued the criminals and arrested 5 suspects as well as recovered 4 motorcycles, stolen cables and casted steel conveyor bearing balls.

15. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted several air interdictions to degrade and restrict the activities of oil theft. Notably, on 10 and 11 July 23, the air component Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction missions at Samkri and Elem Kalabari, respectively. Overhead the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets and some eqpt were destroyed.

16. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 550 assorted rounds of ammunition, 12 calibers of weapons, 7 empty magazines, 17 cutlasses, 3 vehicles, 19 motorcycles and 1 dagger. Troops equally destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. While a total of 60 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. it is noteworthy to state that an estimated sum of Two Hundred and Two Million Seven Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Naira (N202,788,300.00) was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
17. During the period under review, troops neutralized Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen. Troops also raided hideouts of Eastern Security Network criminals located in Ohaozara, Aninri, Calabar South and Ikwo Local Government Areas of Ebonyi, Enugu and Cross River States respectively.

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a. Troops Neutralize IPOB/ESN Criminals. On 10 July 23, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to info of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals firing indiscriminately at Okposi Junction in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals on sighting troops fled. Troops pursuit and made contact with the criminals at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Uburu in same Local Government Area. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one of the criminals and recovered one Pump action gun, 11 live cartridges as well as one vehicle.

b. Troops Arrest criminals
(1). On 11 July 23, troops of OPERATION UDO KA raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals’ hideout at Udoma Community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. Following the raid, troops arrested 2 suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals.
(2). On 13 July 23, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout within Umoh Orok Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State and arrested 10 suspected criminals.
(3). On 14 July 23, troops with DSS operators raided suspected high profile ESN criminals’ hideout/shrine at Nsukka in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Suspects on sighting troops fled while troops searched the hideout and recovered 3 Pump action rifles, one Dane gun and 75 live cartridges.
(4). On 14 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals fled on sighting troops. Troops searched the general area and recovered one AK47 rifle.
18. Summary. In the conduct of the operation, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 4 pump action gun, 1 dane gun, 86 live cartridges. Troops also neutralized 1 criminals and apprehended 12 suspects. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)
19. Troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a lorry with 2 occupants conveying concealed ammunition cartridges that originated from Mali and were to be delivered to Onitsha. Troops also arrest an impostor with fake military ID cards.

Troops Arrest Truck Conveying Ammo Cartridges. On 15 July 23, troops of Operation AWATSE during stop and search op along Rd Ajilete – Owode in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State intercepted and arrested a truck with 2 occupants (a Ghanian and a Nigerian). A search on the truck led to the discovery of 720 cartons of 12 caliber Red Star Cartridges. Each carton contains containing 25 cartridges. Also, arrested were 250 packets containing 10 cartridges of black pellets. All the items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card belonging to one Mr Eric as well as the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Five Thousand One Hundred Naira (₦245,100.00), 125,000 CFA, and 60 GHA Cedis only. The arrested suspects Eric Seworvor a Ghanaian and Lukman Sani (Driver) from Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State claimed the exhibit was conveyed from Mali via Idiroko and were heading to Onitsha in Anambra State to deliver the items to the owner.

Arrest of Impostor. On 11 July 23, troops at Owo check point in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State arrested an impostor with one round of 7.62 mm special ammo, one vehicle, 2 cam vest, 2 cam shorts, one jungle hat, one cam bag, one Nigerian Army emblem, 3 Military ID cards and the sum of Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (₦37,800) only.

20. Summary. In the conduct of the operations, troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a truck with 720 cartons of Red Star Cartridge of 12 caliber containing 25 cartridges each and 250 packets of live cartridge of Black Pellets containing 10 Cartridge each. These items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card. Troops also apprehended 2 arms trafficker and 1 impostor.

CONCLUSION
21. During the cause of the brief, I repeatedly mentioned offensive action of the military in the ongoing operations that cut across various theatres. These actions range from rescuing of civilians held hostage by terrorists, gunmen or criminals to other actions namely: terrorists neutralized, gunmen neutralized and bandits neutralized. Others include, raid on hideouts belonging to kidnappers, bandits and gunmen. It also includes destination destroyed of illegal refining sites and arrested of terrorists collaborators.

22. These actions buttress the war mode of the military to crush these threats decisively. The offensive posture indicated by ongoing operations would surely cause the perpetrators of this challenges to reconsider the position.

23. The military received support such as tip off, intelligence, cooperation and synergy amongst others. Base on these which many of the operations were conducted. This is indicative of the fact that the security challenges confronting us require a collective effort and therefore a collective responsibility.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

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Osun man on death row for fowl theft shares how police subjected 17-year-old self to torture

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Osun man on death row for fowl theft shares how police subjected 17-year-old self to torture

Segun Olowookere, a man who was sentenced to death for stealing fowls in Osun State when he was 17, has recounted how the police tortured and gave him a cutlass used as an exhibit against him as a minor in court.

FIJ had earlier reported that Governor Ademola Adeleke planned to pardon Olowookere after news of how Justice Sakariya Oyejide Falola sentenced Olowookere and Morakinyo Sunday to death in 2014 broke out.

Olowookere was charged in court with conspiracy, armed robbery and stealing. It was on these grounds that Falola delivered his judgment.

Olowookere and Sunday spent some days at a police station in Okuku before their arraignment and conviction. Olowookere said that the police gave them one cutlass each while at the station for weeding the premises.

However, the two of them were later transferred to Osogbo, the state capital, with the cutlasses. These cutlasses were later presented before the judge as exhibits of an armed robbery offence, Olowookere told The Punch in an interview on Sunday.

HOW HE WAS ARRESTED

Now in a custodial centre working with a medical team, Olowookere said he gave himself up for the arrest in November 2010.

“I was at my father’s shop in Oyan after returning from school. My dad and I were discussing my university admission and suddenly, we heard gunshots, and everybody ran away except my dad and a few others,” he narrated.

“My father was taken to a police van where there were some children. I was peeping out and could hear and see what was going on. The police asked my dad where I was and he asked them what my offence was. When they couldn’t give him a satisfactory response, my father shouted at the top of his voice that I should run away because the police wanted to arrest me.

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“But I was wondering what my offence was. So, I came out and went to meet them. I was detained at the police post in Oyan and was taken to Okuku Divisional Police Headquarters the following day. I met the children who were in the police van when they came for me sitting on the ground and eating rice.”

THEY WERE GIVEN CUTLASSES

Olowookere recalled that the divisional police officer (DPO) heading the station at the time accused him of being a leader of an armed robbery gang consisting of teenage children.

Some days after his arrest, his parents were still making efforts to secure his bail. While this was ongoing, the police engaged them in labour, giving them a cutlass each to cut the grasses at the station.

“The DPO told me that one of the children confessed to stealing two broilers and some crates of eggs. I met the broilers and the eggs at the station,” he said.

“The children were eight in number. He told me the children said I was their gang leader, which I denied. The children he was talking about were around 12 and 13 years old, while I was 17 then. I told him I knew the children but I didn’t have anything to do with them other than greeting them in the community.

“I met Sunday Morakinyo at the station, and he told the police that he didn’t know me nor had anything to do with me. I don’t even know where he was arrested. All the children were released but Morakinyo and I were not.

“We were seriously tortured from the first day I got to the Okuku Police Station under the supervision of the DPO. The children who allegedly committed the crime were not beaten. He repeatedly asked me to admit and confess to a crime I didn’t commit.

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“After some days, we were given cutlasses to cut the grass at the police station premises despite having injuries on every part of our body as a result of the torture.”

BAIL SUM BEYOND HIS PARENTS

Olowookere’s father was asked to produce N30,000 for his bail, but his father could only raise N20,000, and the police would not cut down this financial bail demand.

His father then left the station, perhaps to gather the shortfall of N10,000. Before his father could return, the police had ferried them to Osogbo.

“My father could only raise N20,000 out of the N30,000 they demanded. The police rejected it and insisted on the N30,000,” Olowookere said.

“My dad left the station to look for the money. But before he returned the following day, we had been moved to the SARS office in Osogbo. The cutlasses that were given to me and Morakinyo to cut the grass were presented to SARS as exhibits and they were told we were armed robbers.

“After 17 days in the SARS cell, we were taken to a magistrate court and charged with robbery, and from there to the High Court, where we were sentenced to death.”

The poultry farm from which they were alleged to have stolen fowls belonged to one of his uncles.

Despite initially promising not to pursue the case against him, the uncle went on to testify in court against him.

“We are from the same Ajerotutu Compound in Oyan. He was summoned to a family meeting where he said I was not among those who stole the fowls, but my name was mentioned by the children who were arrested,” Olowookere explained.

“He told the family that he would discontinue the case. But he later came to court to testify against me.

“I never wrote any statement to the police. My parents never had a flat, not to mention a six-bedroom flat. I lived with my parents until I was arrested.”

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Asked why his lawyer didn’t object to the statement during the trial, Olowookere said, “I didn’t know anything, but I am sure I didn’t write any statement.”

SUNDAY SUFFERS MENTAL ILLNESS

As a result of the torture they received at the police station before arraignment, Sunday began to bleed from several parts of his body.

Eventually, this bleeding led to his becoming mentally ill, according to Olowookere.

“He is now a mad person. He is at Ibara Prison. He developed mental issues when we were tortured at the police station in Okuku and by the officers of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. I am just lucky, and I believe God’s grace is over me,” he said.

“Morakinyo was bleeding from the anus, ears, nose and on the head. The police did not treat him despite that. I cleaned the cell every day because his blood stained the floor. He was bleeding for the entire six days we spent inside the Okuku police cell before we were transferred to the SARS cell in Osogbo.

“We spent 17 days with SARS and Morakinyo bled every day. Some of the SARS officers noticed that he was not mentally normal again but others thought he was pretending, and from there, he developed full mental issues.

“When we were remanded at Ilesa Custodial Centre, the warders tried to manage his mental health but they didn’t have the capacity. His condition then worsened. As I am talking to you, he doesn’t recognise anybody again. His mother has stopped checking up on him.”

Olowookere said he was hopeful that he would regain his freedom someday to pursue his academic studies and become useful to the world.

“I first enrolled in Yewa College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State, after my sentence. It is my dream to study medicine, but it is not available at a college of education. I was later transferred to a maximum prison in 2016. But due to financial constraints, I couldn’t study my dream course,” he explained.

“However, I was encouraged to train under the medical practitioners in the prison. So, I applied and I was accepted into the medical line in 2017. Since then, I have been working with the nurses, pharmacists and doctors inside the prison.

“I believe I will be free one day, and when I regain my freedom, I will definitely go for medicine. I pray to God to set me free because I am innocent.

“I don’t know anything about the crime I am convicted for. I pray to God to give me the opportunity to prove my innocence to the world and be useful to society. I am not a criminal; I have never stolen anything in my life, not to talk of robbing somebody.”

Osun man on death row for fowl theft shares how police subjected 17-year-old self to torture

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Oil cabal sponsoring blackmails against Tompolo, Otuaro, Kyari, say Ijaw youths

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Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo)

Oil cabal sponsoring blackmails against Tompolo, Otuaro, Kyari, say Ijaw youths

Stakeholders under the Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) have alleged a well-coordinated international blackmail campaign against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman of Tantita Security Services; Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); and Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

In a statement issued on Sunday by its President, Frank Ebikabo, and Secretary, Federal Ebiaridor, the IYN accused a cabal of oil thieves of sponsoring the campaign to undermine the successes of Tantita Security Services and other security outfits in combating oil theft.

The group specifically condemned a staged protest outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, describing it as a smear campaign filled with false criminal allegations against Tompolo, Kyari, and Otuaro.

The IYN called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and others entrusted with the nation’s security to ensure a thorough investigation of persons behind the blackmail and bring them to justice in the interest of national security.

The stakeholders also urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to be resolute in sustaining the reversal of the evils of oil theft against Nigeria and her citizens.

The IYN stressed that oil thieves and their operatives armed with billions of ill-gotten resources were funding the recurrent attacks on Tompolo, Kyari and Otuaro.

The youths insisted that a virulent cabal of oil thieves with a vast network across international boundaries was on the  rampage to orchestrate the campaign targeting the economy of the country and its leadership.

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The IYN said that the oil thieves were pooling resources together with their international collaborators to undermine the President, national security and the nation’s economy.

The group said that it was not unexpected that the deadly cabal that almost ruined the economy of the country by stealing billions of petro dollars would not give up their lucrative crime without a fight.

The IYN said that the achievement of the Tinubu Administration which had been able to attain 1.8m barrels of crude oil per day, after serious efforts into the battle against oil thieves should be protected from such influential, deadly gang.

The IYN added some of those fighting Tompolo, Kyari and Otuaro were persons, who pressed to be appointed Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme without success.

The Ijaw youths groups said that the antecedents of Otuaro and his capacity to deepen consultations and sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta might be hurting those behind the campaign of calumny in the region.

The group called on all sister organizations in the Niger Delta to support the campaign against oil theft, Tantita Security Service Limited, the NNPCL and the PAP leadership.

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The group said: “We are shocked at the extent to which this deadly cabal of oil thieves can go to orchestrate a campaign of calumny against hardworking people carrying out their lawful responsibilities in the Niger Delta.

“Of course, nobody expects a group of extremely wealthy, connected and influential people who has been involved in oil theft, stealing billions for years to go away without resistance.

“The show of shame in front of the UN headquarters is a most reprehensible attack on the country image, the President, national security and our economy.

“The unpatriotic characters are conniving with enemies of Nigeria in their criminal bid to bring back the dark days of oil theft and its impact on the nation’s economy.

“We call on the President, to be firm in sustaining what is good for Nigeria. Tompolo, and Tantita have shown that it is not impossible to stop the menace of oil theft as shown by the daily production of oil to 1.8 million barrels per day,

“We also urge the Mr Kyari and Dr Otuaro to be firm in carrying out their official responsibilities to this great country. That oil thieves are focusing attacks on the, shows in clear terms that their actions are suffocating their evil activities in the region.”

Oil cabal sponsoring blackmails against Tompolo, Otuaro, Kyari, say Ijaw youths

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NURTW scribe felicitates Nigerians on Xmas, urges caution 

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NURTW scribe felicitates Nigerians on Xmas, urges caution 

 

The General Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Kayode Agbeyangi, has enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of peace, love and compassion as taught through the birth of Jesus Christ.

He stated this in his Christmas and end of the year goodwill message to felicitate members of the union and Nigerians in general.

Agbeyangi urged Nigerians to use the festive season to reflect on the values of love, compassion, and sacrifice that Jesus Christ embodied.

“This period is not for merry making alone; we should also spare time to reflect on the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

“His birth teaches humility, love compassion and sacrifice. As Nigerians, we must show love to our fellow county men. We must love our country. As Nigerians, we must be ready to make sacrifices for the nation.”

The NURTW scribe also used the opportunity to appeal to members of the union and other road users to always exercise caution and adhere to all safety protocols while travelling during the festive season.

“As we celebrate, let us not forget the importance of road safety. The roads can be treacherous, especially during the festive season.

“I urge our members and all road users to drive safely, avoid overspending, overtaking at dangerous bends and overloading, and be courteous to other road users,” he stated.

He also advised drivers that all their vehicle papers should be up to date to avoid embarrassment from law enforcement officers on the highways.

Comrade Agbeyangi prayed for a peaceful and joyous celebration, and wished members of the union and Nigerians, a happy prosperous New Year.

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