NEWS
Police Neutralise Suspected Vandals Attempting to Detonate Pipeline in Rivers

The Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the neutralisation of an unspecified number of suspected vandals attempting to vandalize a pipeline in the Aluu and Rumuekpe communities, Rivers.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, stating that the suspects died on the spot.
He explained that the operation was part of the ongoing joint effort with other security agencies to safeguard the state.
“The joint security forces successfully thwarted an attempt by miscreants to vandalise a pipeline, leading to the death of the vandals who sought to detonate it.
“The failed detonation was due to the swift response of security personnel to the incident at Allu-Rumuekpe in Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers on March 16,” he stated.
Adepoju further revealed that, following the success, security forces proceeded to Onelga LGA on March 19, where they averted another potential bomb attack by criminals.
During the operation, he said that two suspects were arrested in possession of four dynamites, detonating pods, and other Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.
“Subsequently, on March 21, our joint security forces raided a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku Road in Ahoada East LGA, leading to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers.
“Six victims were rescued from the kidnapper’s den during the operation,” he said.
Items recovered included two pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, four locally made single-barrel guns, live ammunitions and cartridges, as well as communication equipment.
Adepoju also disclosed an increased deployment of security operatives to disrupt criminal activities across the state.
According to him, the joint security forces have established a State Operations Control Room to provide real-time surveillance and facilitate rapid response to security threats.
“To this end, within the next seven days, we will commence enforcement operations to impound all vehicles operating without registered number plates, as such violations often aid criminal activities.
“Vehicle owners who have not complied are advised to take advantage of this grace period to obtain the necessary registration documents,” he stated.
The police officer also issued a stern warning against further acts of vandalism on oil and gas pipelines, as well as other public infrastructure in the state.
He assured that security forces would identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals engaged in such unlawful activities. (NAN)
NEWS
Gunmen Kill 11 Persons in Plateau

The police command in Plateau says gunmen have attacked Rubi community in Butura District in Bokkos Local Government and killed 11 persons.
Mr Alfred Alabo, the command’s spokesman made this known in a statement on Friday in Jos.
The Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC),also in a statement, confirmed that 11 persons were killed.
Alabo quoted Mr Emmanuel Adesina, the Commissioner of Police in the state, who visited the scene, as condemning the attack.
“On March 27, at about 10:00 p.m., we received a report of some gunmen who invaded Ruwi village at about 09:20 p.m. and began to shoot sporadically.
“As a result, some law-abiding citizens of the community who were at a wake-keep unfortunately lost their lives.
“Many others secured varying degrees of injuries.
“Immediately, the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bokkos to mobilise to the scene for necessary action,”he said.
To have first hand information on situation, Alabo said that the commissioner visited the scene and commiserated with those who lost their loves ones.
Similarly, the Plateau government had condemned the incident and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.
Mrs Joyce Ramnap, the state Commissioner for Information, called on residents of the community not to take the law into their hands.Ramnap reiterated the state government’s commitment to security of lives and property of all citizens of the state.(NAN)
NEWS
Tinubu Moves to Strengthen River Basin Authorities, Approves new Appointments

President Bola Tinubu has approved new appointments to strengthen the leadership of River Basin Development Authorities under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
At the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta, Mr Sowade Adebayo will replace Mr Julius Oloro as the Executive Director of Engineering Services, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Friday.
At the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Mr Chucks Erhire steps into the role of Executive Director of Engineering Services, succeeding Dr Austin Izagbo.
The president also appointed Mr Sunday Hassan as the Executive Director of Planning at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, replacing Mr Chris Tarka.
Mr Okibe Timothy retains his current position as the Executive Director of Engineering at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.
The president urged the appointees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and performance as they work to improve water management and rural development for the benefit of all Nigerians.(NAN)
NEWS
Stanbic IBTC Holdings to Pay Shareholders N38.87 bn as Dividend in 2024

Stanbic IBTC Holdings has announced plans to pay N38.87 billion in dividends to its shareholders for the financial year ended Dec.
31, 2024.This is a 36.3 per cent surge from N28.505 billion paid to its shareholders in 2023.
The company disclosed this in a corporate disclosure through the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.
, on Friday.The disclosure reads “A Final Dividend of N3.
00 per ordinary share of 50 kobo each, that is N38,870,991,489.00“Subject to deduction of appropriate withholding tax and approval will be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the Register of members at the close of business on Friday 11 April 2025.
“This is in addition to the Interim Dividend of N2.
00 paid in September 2024, thus bringing the total of 2024 dividend to N5.00.“The Register of Shareholders will be closed from Monday 14 April to Friday 18 April 2025.
“On Friday May 16, 2025, dividends will be paid electronically to shareholders whose names appear on the register as at the close of business on Friday April 11,
2025.
“It will be paid to those who have completed the e-dividend registration and mandated the Registrar to pay their dividends directly into their Bank accounts,” it said (NAN)