FG discovers illegal crude oil connection in Abia – Newstrends
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FG discovers illegal crude oil connection in Abia

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FG discovers illegal crude oil connection in Abia

An oil theft situation assessment delegation deployed in the Niger Delta by President Bola Tinubu discovered an illegal oil connection on Saturday.

From the illegal connection discovered at Owaza in Abia, Nigeria loses an average of 7.2 million dollars monthly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) stated on Sunday.

It added that clandestine refineries, illegal bunkering operations and environmental devastation the team saw in communities visited, collectively translated into severe economic losses for the nation.

The delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Malam Muhammed Badaru, has service chiefs, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri as members.

Other members are the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperipe Ekpo, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari.

Also in the team are Commander of “Operation Delta Safe”, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, operatives of security agencies and chief executive officers of regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector.

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The team visited the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia, where an array of dismantled illegal connections were observed.

The delegation also visited Bille, Azuzuama, Ahoada, Rumuekepe Ebocha, Abacheke, Egbema, Ohaji, and Koko communities in five states of Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Delta States.

“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger-Delta. Cease and desist from crude oil theft and economic sabotage,” Malam Badaru advised at the site.

In his remarks, Kyari said while oil theft in vessels could be tracked, oil-bearing communities must play a vital role in curbing oil theft within their communities.

“Oil theft is one of the reasons why Nigeria cannot meet her OPEC daily production quota,’’ he said.

Also speaking at the site, Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd., Mr Patrick Godwin, said some arrests had been made and culprits arraigned.

In his comments, Ribadu applauded security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd. for stepping up the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.

“The environment and livelihoods are being destroyed while the federation is deprived of revenue capable of shoring up the economy and strengthening the Naira,” he said.

FG discovers illegal crude oil connection in Abia

(NAN)

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Tinubu, Gov Yusuf asked to resolve Kano Emirate crisis

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Muhammad Sanusi and Ado Bayero

Tinubu, Gov Yusuf asked to resolve Kano Emirate crisis

group, One Kano Agenda(OKA), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abba Yusuf to facilitate peaceful dialogue among the stakeholders to resolve the current Emirship crisis in Kano.

The Director-General of the group, Amb. Abbas Abdullahi, who made the call while addressing a press conference at the NUJ press centre, Kano, on Sunday, also urged Northern Elders to encourage peaceful dialogue over the matter.

“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency the Governor of Kano State and the respected elders of Arewa to take a proactive role in encouraging peaceful dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.

“National peace begins with local harmony and the restoration of calm in Kano is a matter of national interest.

“A prompt non partisan mediation effort will go a long way in maintaining mutual respect between state and federal institutions and protecting our traditional values,” Abdullahi said.

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The group also called for peace and unity among residents of the state in the wake of the Emirship tussle.

It emphasized the need for all stakeholders “to put Kano first and avoid divisions that could harm the state’s social fabric.

“We are gathered here because we believe that Kano must come first before political differences, personal ambitions or any divisive agenda.

“Recent developments around the Emirate issue have stirred tensions, sparked public debates and regrettably fueled discord among our people.

“While discussions on matters of history and tradition are important, we must be careful not to allow misinformation or political manipulation to erode the unity we have built over generations,” it said.

The group warned against any attempt to politicize the Emirate issue and emphasized the importance of respecting the state’s traditional institution.

It urged all stakeholders, including youth, civil society groups, and religious leaders “to rise above divisions and work towards peace and unity.”

Tinubu, Gov Yusuf asked to resolve Kano Emirate crisis

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JUST IN: Two rescued in Lagos building collapse

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JUST IN: Two rescued in Lagos building collapse

Two persons have been rescued after a three-storey building collapsed in Lagos Island.

The building said to be under construction, caved in Sunday afternoon at 4, Agarawu Street, Lagos Island.

The victims were said to have been trapped when the building collapsed and were only extricated from the rubble by emergency workers who rushed them to the hospital.

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Confirming the incident, the Lagos Police Command said no life was lost.

Spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the site had been cordoned off by responders, adding that there was calm in the neighbourhood.

He said the relevant agencies would probe the cause of the collapse.

JUST IN: Two rescued in Lagos building collapse

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Police bust car theft syndicate in Abuja, arrest suspects

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FCT Police Command Spokesperson, SP Adeh Josephine

Police bust car theft syndicate in Abuja, arrest suspects

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismantled a notorious car theft syndicate operating in Abuja, recovering two stolen vehicles and arresting three key members of the gang.

The suspects reportedly confessed to refurbishing stolen vehicles, altering their colours, and reselling them as newer models to unsuspecting buyers.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

“On April 11, 2025, following a distress call received by the Durumi Division regarding the theft of a gold-coloured 2005 Toyota Corolla (registration number KUJ 208 DA) from a residence, operatives swiftly launched an investigation,” she stated.

The stolen vehicle was tracked to a workshop in Durumi, where it was undergoing illegal refurbishment. The car’s colour was already being changed in an attempt to conceal its identity and prepare it for quick resale.

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Further searches at the workshop led to the recovery of another red Toyota Corolla (registration number GWA 844 CK), which had earlier been reported stolen from a residence in Jikwoyi.

Three suspects were arrested at the scene: Steven Musa, David Dalyol (a painter) and Ibrahim Mohammed (a mechanic).

During interrogation, the trio confessed to being part of a larger car theft syndicate operating across Wuse, Central Area, Jikwoyi, and Bwari within the FCT. They admitted to stealing multiple vehicles, refurbishing them, and selling them off as upgraded models.

The suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, commended the swift action of the officers involved and urged residents to install vehicle tracking systems and anti-theft devices to enhance recovery efforts in the event of a theft.

Police bust car theft syndicate in Abuja, arrest suspects

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