By David Torough, Abuja

The Nigerian military said it has intensified its operations in the Niger Delta Region of the country to curtail crude oil theft and other criminality through a comprehensive approach.Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, troops have been engaged in dismantling the capabilities of the economic saboteurs for some years now without it abating. “Operations would therefore be conducted through a unified command structure for all security agencies operating in the Niger Delta.”“Additionally, operations would target specific areas that have significant capability to boost crude oil production. The targeted areas include, but are not limited to enforcing and ensuring transparency by International Oil Companies operating in the region.“Others are; ensuring the integrity of the metering systems deployed at flow stations. Operations will also embark on the tracking of the point of loading to the destination point of the crude oil.“Furthermore, operations will also concentrate on surveillance of the pipelines, jackets and well head to forestall breaches,” Buba said.He also said that overall, operations will galvanize the support of the people of the Niger Delta as well as the stakeholders in the oil sector to support the drive to boost the nations oil production.“Importantly, operations will ensure prosecution of culprits engaged in crude oil theft,” he said .Buba added that in its determination to raid the country of terrorists, troops have neutralised 125 terrorists and arrested 200 persons in the last one week.Troops also arrested 20 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 140 kidnapped hostages.According to Buba, in the South-South Region troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N744,153,900.00 only.Furthermore, troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated gun, 22 dane guns, one SMG rifle, 7 pump action guns, one fabricated barretta pistol, 7 locally made guns, 5 x 60mm mortar bomb Unexploded Ordinances and 2 small rubber gun powder.Others include: 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 383 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 78 live cartridges, 24 empty case of 7.62mm ammo, 21 AK47 magazines, one baofeng radio, 6 vehicles, 11 motorcycles, 5 bicycles, 38 mobile phones and the sum of N2,737,145.00 only amongst other items.Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 11 dugout pits, 5 boats and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 31 cooking ovens, 5 vehicles, 3 mobile phones and 31 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 715,325 litres of stolen crude oil and 148,415 litres of illegally refined AGO.”On the whole, the military is in a good and strong position in the war against terrorists with many terrorist leaders killed. Our operation continues to focus on providing security and stability for the nation and citizens,” he added.

The Police Command in Rivers has cautioned the public regarding potential cult-related activities across the country on June 7.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, disclosed in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that a large number of Black Axe cultists were preparing to mark their Founder’s Day.

According to her, intelligence reports indicate that the confraternity intends to initiate innocent victims into their group and potentially engage in clashes with rival cults on the same day.

“We have received information about the Neo-Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aiye or Black Axe, which plans to hold a nationwide commemoration in honour of their Founder’s Day.

“The event, code-named Aiye Day or 7/7, is scheduled to be observed in all states of the federation, especially in institutions of higher learning.

“The command is aware of the antecedents of the confraternity, notorious for killings on campuses, inter-cult clashes, and other criminal activities of a violent nature.’’

Iringe-Koko said that intelligence reports suggested the group was plotting to disrupt public peace from their strongholds and on tertiary campuses across the country.

“The ceremony could possibly lead to counter-cult activities, inter-cult violence and other associated violent crimes in and around tertiary institutions in Rivers.

“It might provide ample opportunity for the forced initiation of innocent victims, as well as crimes such as rape and armed robbery.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical team commanders to conduct pre-emptive and responsive raids.’’

The police image maker emphasised that the pre-emptive measures would target cult hideouts, high-risk areas and hotels that could serve as meeting points for cult leaders.

She mentioned that police operatives had been instructed to prevent the planned event, arrest suspected cultists and bring them to justice.

“Police area commanders, DPOs and tactical team commanders are to emplace visible and effective patrol strategies, closely monitoring all tertiary institution campuses and public places to intercept cult members.

“Parents and guardians should keep a close eye on their children and wards during this period and watch for warning signs in their interactions with friends.

“Similarly, community leaders and security outfits are encouraged to report any unusual gatherings in their area, while religious leaders should preach to their congregants on the evil of secret cults,” Iringe-Koko appealed. (NAN)

Eleven governors have been selected for the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies (ISSS)’s Excellence Award.

The Registrar of the Institute, Dr Sunday Idakwoji, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the award would be presented to the governors on Nov. 23.

The award for Best Governor on Security and Humanitarian Services of the Year, he said, will be bestowed on Gov.

Babagana Zulum of Borno for his exceptional leadership and innovative strategies in improving security and providing humanitarian aid in one of Nigeria’s most challenging regions.

According to him, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa will be honoured for his dedication to maintaining peace and security while implementing comprehensive humanitarian initiatives to support vulnerable communities.

Idakwoji said that Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State would be recognised as the Best Governor on Collective Security Advocate of the Year for his proactive stance on collective security measures and his efforts to foster collaboration among various security agencies to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens.

Other governors to receive the award are; Governors Ahmad Aliu of Sokoto State, BabaJide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Dapo Abiodun, of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of  Ekiti State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Siminilaye Fubara of Rivers.

Idakwoji said the institute had in 10 years of its existence been at the forefront of providing robust academic and practical education, fostering excellence in security standards, knowledge, and cooperation within the African region and globally.

He said the mission was to prepare students for the complex challenges of today’s world through meticulous training and innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, as well as forging lasting security partnerships across nations and cultures.

The registrar said the awards were aimed at recognising, honor individuals and organisations that had made significant contributions towards building a robust security architecture and strategic development in Nigeria and beyond.

He added that some serving ministers would also be recognised for their outstanding performance among other several individuals, defense and security services and corporate entities.

“Join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to enhancing security and strategic development in Nigeria.

“The awards ceremony promises to be a night of recognition, celebration, and inspiration,” the registrar said.  (NAN)