metro
Army destroys 20 illegal oil refinery sites
Army destroys 20 illegal oil refinery sites
The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, says its troops have dismantled 20 illegal refining sites, deactivated 21 boats used for the crime and recover over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the ongoing anti bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.
A statement issued in Port Harcourt at the weekend by the Division’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, said eight suspects were arrested in the operations carried out from 23-29 December 2024.
Lt. Col. Jonah said following a tip-off on illegal activities around Buguma general area in Asari-Toru LGA, troops responded effectively leading to the discovery of a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat with over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.
“At Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana general area, also in Asari-Toru LGA, troops had gun duel with the criminal elements, who fled due to superior firepower. Also, an illegal refining site, one big pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were handled appropriately.
“This was in addition to three locally made boats intercepted in the area in the process of loading crude from an abandoned wellhead. Three suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operations.
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“Relatedly, around Krakrama Community in Degema LGA, two illegal refining sites, four fibre and three wooden boats were intercepted respectively as well as about 2,000 litres of stolen crude handled. At Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site, 27 locally made ovens, 31 sacks loaded with over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.
“While at Odagwa-Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat and over 3,500 litres of stolen products were recovered. Similarly, at the fringes of Imo River, seven illegal refining sites, six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered.
“In Bayelsa State, at Biseni Forest in Yenagoa LGA, one illegal refining site was dismantled with about 8,000 litres of stolen fuel confiscated. Troops also uncovered an attempt at vandalising one of the inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company’s flowlines at Well 20 by unknown persons at Opukushi general area in Ekeremor LGA.
“While in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted eleven 280-litre drums loaded with about 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Enwang II in Mbo LGA.
“In a follow up operations conducted, troops discovered the source of the product, which was traced to a loading point at Dazele Filling Station, Ibaka. Additional 31 drums of PMS estimated at 8,680 litres were intercepted. Preliminary investigation revealed that the products were primed for smuggling to a neighbouring country.
“In Delta State, various kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations were conducted . These operations have effectively denied criminal elements freedom of action in the area, the statement pointed out.”
The statement added that the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam charged troops to continue to maintain vigilance in the Joint Operations Area in order to create an enabling environment for exploration activities to thrive in the region.
Army destroys 20 illegal oil refinery sites
metro
3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day
3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day
The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) has announced the sudden passing of three prominent clerics, who passed away on the first day of the new year 2025.
Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon, were announced dead by the church’s media head.
Until their deaths, Elusanmi was the Shepherd at Orisun Ayo Parish, Ilupeju, while Michael served as the Shepherd In-Charge of Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu.
Olajuwon, was the prophet at the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu, all in Lagos State.
Their deaths have thrown the Celestial community into mourning, with members taking to their social media platforms to express their grief.
The Secretary of the Pastor in Council and Head of Media and Publicity for CCC worldwide, Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, announced Olajuwon’s death on the church’s official website.
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“The death has been announced of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist (Prophet) Johnson Olajuwon (JJ). He was, until his death, the prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu.
“The suddenness of his passing has left many in shock, as he had read the second lesson at the cross-over service and was bubbling with life until his death early on the first day of the new year, 2025.”
In a message shared on his Facebook page, the Shepherd of CCC International Headquarters, Ketu, Olatosho Oshoffa, described Olajuwon as a dedicated, loyal, and truthful servant of God.
The CCC Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu, announced Michael’s death on its Facebook page around 11 am on Wednesday, while Elusanmi’s death was announced on the Instagram account ‘Celestialgeneration’ the same day.
Ajala warns against making a big deal out of the deaths, saying it is a normal thing for everyone to die at an appropriate time.
He stated, “Death is a necessary end, and it will come at the appropriate time for everyone. People die every day. If three people die in a church as large as Celestial, coincidentally on the same day, I don’t understand why people are making a big deal of it.
“Everyone has a time to come and a time to go. The Bible says there is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to laugh and a time to cry.
“So when Christians begin to treat these things as mysterious, I begin to wonder if we are truly followers of Christ. People shouldn’t attach superstitious meaning to their deaths. We all have our time to go.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured them that the Celestial headquarters would support them.
3 Lagos Celestial church pastors die on New Year’s Day
metro
As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome
As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on all Igbos to extend a warm and jubilant welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural official visit to Enugu State.
The visit, scheduled for today, marks a significant moment as the president is set to commission key projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah.
Ohanaeze, through its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, highlighted the importance of this visit as a testament to the president’s commitment to the Southeast.
The organization expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s efforts in prioritizing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal roads and establishing the Southeast Development Commission (SEDEC).
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“These developments symbolize hope, opportunity, and progress for our people.
“Under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, these infrastructural strides are transformative, addressing years of neglect and paving the way for socioeconomic revitalization in the Southeast,” Isiguzoro stated.
The group said it has mobilized millions of Igbos to celebrate the president’s commitment to improving the region’s welfare.
“Let us come together to show our unity, appreciation, and cultural vibrancy,” Isiguzoro urged.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo assured that every effort had been made to ensure President Tinubu feels at home, with mechanisms in place to reflect the timeless Igbo values of warmth and generosity.
Furthermore, the group reiterated its advocacy for the continuity of Tinubu’s presidency beyond 2027.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on every Igbo person to take advantage of Tinubu’s visit to showcase the Igbo nation’s unity, resilience, and aspirations.
“This visit marks a pivotal step toward a prosperous and united Nigeria,” Isiguzoro added.
As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome
metro
Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others
Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dissolved his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Ubandona-Aliyu, and all commissioners.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Mohammed Illiyasu-Idde, Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Duties, Office of the SSG, in Lafia on Friday.
The statement indicated that the dissolution takes effect immediately.
The governor directed all outgoing commissioners to hand over the affairs of their ministries and government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries.
Similarly, the SSG is required to transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.
Governor Sule expressed his gratitude to the outgoing appointees for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.
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He acknowledged their efforts in various capacities during their tenure and wished them success in their future endeavours.
Political analysts view the move as a potential step towards reconstituting the cabinet for a fresh start in the new year.
Observers speculate that the decision may also be aimed at aligning the administration’s priorities with evolving governance needs in Nasarawa State.
The development has sparked discussions within the state, with citizens and political stakeholders awaiting further announcements from the governor’s office regarding the composition of the new cabinet.
Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others
(NAN)
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