Thewireng

24/07/2025

Amnesty International strongly condemns the violent crackdown by police on residents of Karsana Abuja protesting the unlawful forced evictions carried out by FCT administration. Nigeria police opened fire on residents trying to retrieve what is left of their belongings after bulldozers pulled down their homes.

The current FCT administration must end its violent attacks on people living in poverty. On 6 November, the Federal Territory Administration’s Special Task team “Operation Sweep” demolished the Ruga community in Abuja, destroying hundreds of houses under the guise of “cleaning the city of all forms of nuisance and criminality.”

The authorities’ ruthless forceful evictions targeting people living in poverty, without adequate notice and consultations, without compensation or making alternative resettlement plans is making the people living in poverty pay the price of the government’s urban planning failures.

23/07/2025

𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗠𝗕 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has expressed satisfaction with milestones achieved in implementation of the Board’s blueprint for capacity building in critical oil and gas industry skills.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the Human Capital Development (HCD) Training Programme organised by PE Energy Limited in conjunction with the Board, Chevron Nigeria Limited, and PANA Academy, he said the successful completion of the 12-month programme was “a testament to the transformative power of the Board’s project-based HCD Initiative.”

Among key areas of the training were Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Project Management, Automation and Control, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Teamwork, and practical/hands-on training in several oil and gas industry operational areas.

Engr. Ogbe, who was represented by the Manager, HCD of the NCDMB, Mrs. Tarilate Teide-Bribena, told the 46 graduands that they were not being prepared simply as employees but as catalysts of change, “leaders who will provide local solutions and set new benchmarks of excellence.” According to him, “This is nation-building in action.”

The NCDMB boss commended the strategic partnership between the Board, Chevron Nigeria Limited, PE Energy Limited, Ambong Energy, and Dexterous Training Institute, for the powerful impact made, noting that the achievement is “grounded in the Board’s steadfast commitment to technical capability development,” a core pillar of its 10-Year Strategic Road Map.

To the graduands, he declared, “Wield your expertise with purpose, diligence, and integrity,” while urging them to be relentless in learning and inspiring to others.

Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Chairman, PANA Holdings, Dr. Daere Akobo, represented by Mrs. Daisy Maduagwu, said the closing ceremony marked not just the end of a training cycle but “the beginning of a new chapter – one defined by growth, knowledge, and excellence.” He charged the graduands to put the knowledge acquired into good use.

In his own remarks, the Chairman of the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN), Port Harcourt Chapter, Engr. Chika Chinwah, said OGTAN is “a baby of NCDMB that ensures human capital development takes place on the back of every major oil and gas project.” He urged graduands to make the most out of the training received.

In a project overview, the Country Manager, PE Energy Limited, Engr. Chukwuemeka Igilar, said the Makaraba-Utonana Gas Management Project of Chevron was borne out of the realisation that “There is a need to reduce carbon footprints and carbon emissions,” and that the project is to demonstrate that “waste can be captured as energy.”

According to him, performance test was ongoing and that the project was “about 80% completion.” He listed benefits, which include faster development of awarded marginal fields, zero flaring of gas, zero Co2, zero environmental pollution, and increased DOM gas availability.

In closing remarks, the Capacity Building Advisor of Chevron, Engr. Victor Inyere, thanked the NCDMB for making the programme a reality, while noting that the training was a significant milestone to strengthen local content.

In a vote of thanks, the General Manager, Global Business Services, Mr. Kennedy D**e, said by the successful completion of the training, “We’ve launched a movement” for higher standards in performance. He charged the graduands to take what they have studied to the field and the rigs. As with other speakers, he thanked NCDMB for faithfully implementing its mandate in local content development.

In her final remarks, Mrs. Teide-Bribena advised all graduands to visit the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGIC) Joint Qualification System (JQS) and update their personal details.

Six of the 46 graduands, who had the highest rating in the programme, were offered automatic employment by PE Energy Limited.

22/07/2025

PRESS RELEASE

NCDMB’s Exec Sec Inspects Training of 305 Youths At Centre For Marine and Offshore

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe on Tuesday inspected the ongoing training of 305 youths in specialised oil and gas industry skills at the Centre for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD), Rivers State University (RSU).

Sponsored by the NCDMB, the trainings cover seven technical areas, which include Automation, Instrumentation and Control, Mechanical/Process Piping and System Design/ Pressure Vessel and Heat Exchanges Design (PV-ELITE), Electrical Power Transformer Repairs and Maintenance, and Industrial/Practical Ship Design and Construction. Other specialist areas covered by the training include Oil Well Surveillance and Enhancement Analysis Training, Capacity Building on Big Data Analytics and International Class Welding, Fabrication and Qualification.

The programme is designed for four months and forms part of the Board’s Human Capacity Development initiative, curated to close identified indigenous manpower competency gaps. Participants were selected from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Joint Qualification System (NOGICJQS) which is the oil industry’s repository of human and technical competencies.

The Executive Secretary in his remarks charged the participants to make good value of the opportunity, emphasising that the skills they are acquiring are highly sought after in the oil and gas industry and beyond. He assured that NCDMB will continue to train Nigerians in key skills required in the operations of the oil industry and linkage sectors, and create employment opportunities, as part of the agency’s mandate, and to support the actualisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
administration’s aspirations for the economy.

Engr. Ogbe also visited the Advanced Marine Engineering and Offshore Engineering Research Centre, that was erected at the university by an international oil company as part of the Nigerian Content institutional strengthening initiative. The Executive Secretary promised that the furnishing and partitioning of the building would be executed, so the building can be utilised for the intended purpose. He also promised to review the delayed completion of the staff quarters, which the NCDMB built for the university.

The NCDMB boss and his delegation were received by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, the National Chairman Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA)/Chairman, Management Board, CMOTD, Engr. Dr. Sylvanus Eferebo, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. J. Akpa and other management personnel of the university.

Dr. Eferebo informed that Rivers State University is designated by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) as the centre of excellence in marine engineering, because of the school’s specialty in the area of study and the existence of three centres in marine studies in the institution.

He also affirmed that 70 percent of trainers for CMOTD’s programmes are being contributed from the oil and gas industry and other sectors, while 30 percent are from the university. The essence, he explained, is to ensure that the trainings contain a high flavour of industry’s requirements and comply with COREN’s regulations for industry’s representatives to play key roles in the formation of engineers in Nigeria.

18/07/2025

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INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE OPERATIVES RESCUE 31 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN TARABA, EDO STATE

In a sustained effort against banditry and kidnapping, the Nigeria Police Force has again recorded significant breakthroughs in Taraba and Edo States, successfully rescuing thirty-one (31) kidnapped victims in two separate coordinated operations.

In Edo State on Friday, July 11th, 2025, at about 7:20 pm, police operatives of the state command responded to an attack along the Fugar-Agenebode road in Etsako East Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers ambushed commuters, resulting in the death of two persons and the abduction of several others. A swift joint operation involving police operatives and local security outfits led to a coordinated search-and-rescue mission in the Obe Hill area, near the Ajaokuta axis. The rescue team engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel near Obe Hill, causing them to flee with various degrees of gun shot injuries, and successfully rescued fourteen (14) kidnapped victims. Efforts are being Intensified to ensure the fleeing perpetrators are brought to justice.

In a related development in Taraba State on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, at about 11:45 pm, Police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a kidnapping incident along the Wukari highway, after Federal University Wukari, where a white Toyota bus conveying 17 passengers from Enugu to Yola, Adamawa State, had been ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. Upon receiving the call, operatives mobilised in collaboration with other security agencies and advanced to the scene. On sighting the approaching security forces, the suspected kidnappers fled into the surrounding bush, leaving behind all 17 kidnapped victims unhurt. Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing culprits

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has commended the gallantry and swift action of the operatives involved in both operations, emphasizing that these successful outcomes reflect the reinforced commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to citizen protection and national security. The IGP further assures members of the public that targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks across the country will continue with renewed vigour.

PRESS RELEASE
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
‎FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
‎FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
‎ABUJA.
‎
‎18TH JULY, 2025

14/07/2025

14/07/2025

TROOPS THWART SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO COMPROMISE PIPELINES, ARREST 50 SUSPECTS

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have continued to thwart several attempts by oil thieves and and other criminals to re-establish their foothold in the Niger Delta Region (NDR). The latest operations led to the dismantling of eleven illegal refining sites, arresting 50 suspected oil thieves, confiscating 25,000 litres of stolen products, and the discovery of several compromised illegal connection points. The operations were conducted at different fronts with other security agencies between 30 June and 13 July 2025.

In the operations that ensued in Rivers State, troops sustained the clampdown on attempts to re-establish new illegal bunkering hubs, including dismantling existing camps. Several clearance operations were conducted along the Imo River, with seven illegal refining sites, 35 drum pots, fourteen drum receivers, three big coolants destroyed, and over 6,000 litres of crude oil recovered. These recoveries were made around Obuzor and Ozaa West in Ukwa West and Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Abia and Rivers States respectively. At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an illegal refining site was dismantled, with dugout pits filled with 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,000 litres of crude oil handled in line with operational mandate.

Additionally, a reservoir stocked with over 3,000 litres of chemicals used for the criminal venture, and five sacks containing 100 and 150 litres of stolen AGO and DPK respectively, were recovered. This was in addition to three suspected oil thieves apprehended, a 300-metre plastic hose, and fourteen metal drums handled appropriately. There were also seizures around Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, with numerous holding facilities dismantled.

In Delta State, along Jeddo waterways in Warri South LGA, one speedboat and a locally made wooden boat, both loaded with 86 sacks containing over 1,720 litres of stolen products, were deactivated. Troops also raided a store at Obiaruku Community in Ukwuani LGA and discovered 24 jerricans of 25 litres filled with illegally refined AGO. At the creek along Ugbokodo, also in Warri South LGA, a locally made wooden boat stocked with stolen products was intercepted by the troops.

While in Bayelsa State, troops made determined efforts to curtail the activities of oil thieves. This led to the seizure of a wheelbarrow and a 70-kg gas cylinder at Ikarama in Yenagoa LGA. The ancillary equipment was said to be primed for use to compromise pipelines for oil theft. At Angiama Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, several litres of stolen products were confiscated with suspects taken into custody.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a warehouse at Ukanafun LGA, where fifteen jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO were uncovered. Troops have continued to dominate the waterways and hinterland, effectively denying economic saboteurs and other criminals freedom of action in the NDR.

DANJUMA JONAH DANJUMA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
6 Division Army Public Relations
13 July 2025

08/07/2025

Bayelsa Cult Clashes: How Tantita Security Service Brokers Truce Among Warring Groups

Following violent clashes that resulted in the deaths of cult members and innocent people in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, and its environs, a peace agreement has been brokered by Tantita Security Services, led by Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

According to sources who spoke to Saharareporters, the conflict between the cult groups stemmed from a struggle for dominance, territorial control, and unemployment. A source revealed that the meeting took place in Famgbe community, a suburb of Yenagoa, where the leaders of the groups signed a peace accord, agreeing to cease hostilities and work towards peace.

Another source, Mr. Bodmas Kemepadei, Chairman of the Izon Heritage Cultural Centre (ICHC), confirmed that the deal was reached two weeks ago, which has contributed to the relative peace in the area. Tompolo reportedly prevailed upon the groups to end the conflict and also provided some support, including job opportunities.

His word: “It's almost two weeks now since Tantita's intervention in the recent upsurge of cult killings in Yenagoa and no casualty yet, we pray for sustenance of peace as we continue to monitor the situation.”

He added that the youths are not violence but because they are unemployed and became a willings tools for violence.

“Bayelsa youth are not violent, they are simply jobless.We commend the youth of the state for their commitment to peace and stability, we urge them to shun crime and embrace a life of progress.”We appeal to state Govt, stakeholders and federal Agencies to provide jobs for Bayelsa youth,” Mr Kemepadei said.

Meanwhile a socio-cultural organisation, the Izon Heritage Cultural Centre (ICHC), has commended the exceptional work of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), under the leadership Mr Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), over its commitment and resolve in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

The Chairman, ICHC, Mr Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, said in a statement on Tuesday that Tantita's security operations had significantly improved Nigeria’s crude oil production—from a devastating low of 650,000 barrels per day to over 1.8 million barrels per day today.
However, Kemepadei said the organisation is deeply disturbed by recent tribal sentiments being stirred against Tantita’s operations, particularly by some Urhobo leaders and interests who are now allegedly campaigning for the company’s removal from territories where it is executing its mandate competently.

He asked: "Were Urhobos not working in Ijaw territories for decades? Did Ijaw people ever protest when Urhobo or Itsekiri contractors operated freely in core Ijaw oil-producing areas?
"Is it now, because Tompolo is succeeding, that everyone suddenly wants to do the same job, not out of patriotism, but out of envy? Let us be clear: Tantita’s operations across Itsekiri and Urhobo lands are administered by local indigenes. There is no marginalisation, no exclusion. What then is the motive behind these targeted protests?

"Should the Ijaws now begin to protest against the Olu of Warri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), currently operating surveillance contracts in Ijaw lands, including parts of Bayelsa? Would that not deepen disunity? Yet, the Ijaws have continued to offer cooperation and support.

"We remind our Urhobo brothers: Where were your protests when Capt. Hosa Okunbo from Edo State held these same contracts over Urhobo areas for over eight years? During that time, pipeline vandalism was rampant, crude oil theft devastated the nation, and environmental degradation worsened. Still, there was silence. No community protests. No calls for tribal exclusion.
"Even now, Urhobo and Isoko contractors are executing major jobs in Ijaw territories. The Ijaw people never undermined or frustrated their operations. Instead, they cooperated—for the peace and benefit of the nation.

"But now, one contract handled by an Ijaw man, and suddenly it is unacceptable?"
Kemepadei said Tompolo is not living in luxury — he is on the field daily, wearing boots, supervising sites, committed to securing national assets.
"Is this the man you want to remove? Is competence now a crime?" he questioned.
He further said: "Let us remember our shared history: In the days of settlors like SPDC and NAPIMS, Urhobo contractors dominated pipeline security even in Ijaw territories—Ogulagha, Escravos, Tunu, Beniseide, and more.
"Companies like SJ Jones, SAMOT, Eruben Ltd, and Temile & Sons executed contracts across the Niger Delta for decades. No Ijaw group ever called for their eviction. But today, Urhobo and Itsekiri leaders are sponsoring protests against Tantita in their lands—out of envy, not patriotism.
"This is a dangerous path. If the logic becomes 'only locals should secure their oil assets,' then we must prepare for the complete fragmentation of national security efforts, which will lead to chaos—not just in Delta State, but across the country.

"We therefore appeal to our Urhobo and Itsekiri brothers to stop this campaign against Tantita. Let us not destroy the fragile unity we have painstakingly built over decades. Tribalising oil security will not only undermine current gains—it could push us all into a retaliatory spiral.

"Today, it’s the Ijaw man. Tomorrow, it may be an Urhobo or Itsekiri man. Will you accept if Ijaws say such a person cannot operate in their areas? Let us rise above ethnic politics. Let us put Nigeria first."
On Tantita's emergence as security surveillance contractor, the ICHC boss said TSSNL operations had led to the reduction of crime, rehabilitation of the waterways as people are now going back to their traditional vocation.
He asserted that over 40,000 persons are benefitting from the company's operations compared to when the contract was handled by some persons from Itsekiri and their associates.

Kemepadei said that without any iota of doubt, the TSSNL operations had led to the increase in federal revenue, discovery of many breached trunklines, increased in production and security and stability in Niger Delta region.

23/06/2025

66 University of Africa Graduates Get Automatic Employment

By-Alambo Datonye Fred

The Bayelsa State Government has offered automatic employment to the sixty-six first class graduates at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area.

Governor Douye Diri made the pronouncement at the University’s first combined Convocation ceremony held at the King Kpadia Memorial Civic Centre.

A total of nine hundred and five students graduated in four sets from twenty-twenty and twenty-twenty-one to twenty-twenty-three and twenty-twenty-four academic sessions.

Governor Douye Diri who is the visitor to the University of Toru-Orua in Bayelsa State said any society that would make progress and develop must accord priority to education.

The Governor who commended the institution for braving the odds in the last eight years of its existence said the State government would continue to partner stakeholders to address the challenges at the University.

While giving an assurance that the Administration was taking action to complete ongoing construction of the Senate Building, the auditorium, staff and office accommodation, transportation and power difficulties at the institution, he pronounced automatic employment for the sixty-six first class graduates at the University.

New Chancellor of the University, the Ogba of Ogbaland in Rivers State, Oba Nwachukwu Nnam Obi pledged to foster academic excellence in the institution while charging the graduates to be courageous in their quest for success and explore every opportunity to actualize their dreams.

Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Board of the University, Kemela Okara who said with increased monthly subvention from government, the institution had met some of its needs and succeeded in securing accreditation of its courses from the National Universities Commission, however appealed for more financial support to address some of its challenges.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Professor Solomon Ebobrah who enumerated some of the needs of the institution including a request for the engagement of the best graduating students as Graduate Assistants said the University remain focused to deliver high quality education to the people.

The overall best graduating students in the four sets were D**e Izibeya from Chemistry Department with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.89 for 2020/2021, John Nicholas of Political Science Department with a CGPA of 4.95 for 2021/2022, Umba Izonbodei of Public Administration with a CGPA of 4.86 for 2022/2023 and Boco Aisosa of Biochemistry with a CGPA of 4.94 for 2023/2024 Academic Session.

22/06/2025

Conspiracy/Violent Attack/ Assault Occasioning Harm and Stealing: A Condemnable Act.

The Rivers State Police Command is aware and deeply disturbed by the heinous attack on the Sole Administrator of Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor. On 20th. June, 2025, at about 1340hrs, a group of hoodlums numbering about thirty, led by Mr Hector Ekakita, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Chief of Staff (COS) to the sole administrator respectively stormed the Council Secretariat and attack him

During the attack, the hoodlums assaulted the Sole Administrator, stole his mobile phones, forced him to sign a letter purporting his resignation, carted away vital documents, including official and personal documents from his office. The Administrator is currently undergoing medical treatment due to the injuries sustained during the violent attack. He is in stable condition.

The Rivers State Police Command unequivocally condemns this reprehensible act and has taken swift action. The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips,after visiting the scene of the attack with heads of other sister security agency in the state,has directed the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Of Staff (COS), and all those involved in this action to report to the Police State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt for questioning.

The CP further noted that, the Command is resolute in its pursuit of justice and warned that failure to complying with this invitation will attract severe consequences.

The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command's unwavering commitment to ensuring public peace and safety, while urging citizens of the State to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperate with the authorities to maintain peace and order across the State.

SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO, ANIPR,
Police Public Relations Officer,
Rivers State Police Command.

22/06/2025

Armed men abduct Judge in Bayelsa

Gunmen in black cloth with a white hilux have abducted a State High Court Judge, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital.

The abduction occurred around 7.00 pm on Saturday in front of popular eatery in Ekeki area along Chief Melford Okilo Expressway.

The motive behind the abduction remains unclear. However, it comes just days after similarly dressed men reportedly invaded the residence of Oyins Egrenbido, a broadcast journalist and business manager of Silverbird Communications.

The state Police command has yet to make any official statement.

20/06/2025

60 Megawatts Gas Turbines for Bayelsa Power Project to be Installed by August.

By- Alambo Datonye Fred

Construction works on the new Bayelsa State Independent Power Project has reached about seventy per cent completion rate.

Conducting newsmen round the site of the project located at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area, officials of the State government and the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited say the sixty-megawatts gas turbine would be installed by August this year.

Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Wisdom Ikuli reiterated the determination of the Governor Douye Diri led Administration to the completion of the State Independent Power project by December this year.

Mr. Ikuli said the objective of the government was to ensure the provision of constant power supply to businesses and residents of the State to trigger socio-economic growth and development.

Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Engineer Olice Kemenanabo, represented by the Director of Operations, Engineer Steve Bubagha said construction works were progressing according to schedule with the twin gas turbines due to be installed by August this year.

He said the base for the power transformers for the project were almost ready while the switch gears would be coming in by the end of the week, as the transformers would be brought in by the end of this month.