Author: Tribune Online

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has stated that the contributions of the retired IGP Adeolu Egbetokun to the Nigeria Police Force, would continue to serve as a reference point in the ongoing development of modern policing in Nigeria. Disu said this in his speech delivered at a grand reception organised by the […]

The Nigerian Navy has arrested two vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, with over 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil worth over N4 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 26 crew members were also arrested in the operations.

The Commander, Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Adm. Olugbenga Oladipo, made this known while briefing newsmen in Calabar on Sunday.

He said the arrest underscores the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to combat crude oil theft and other economic saboteurs.

The Commander said the arrests of the vessels were made possible through credible intelligence at midnight on April 8.

He said the vessels were apprehended at a wellhead within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operation Area, where they were actively involved in crude oil theft.

The commander said that the MT Mkpodu was arrested in the deep process of siphoning the crude.

According to the commander, the arrest was made possible through the cooperation of the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and that of the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS).

“The Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff provided us with all the necessary assets we used in carrying out this operation.

“Following the arrest, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter were deployed to the scene.

“The helicopter provided real-time aerial imagery of the vessels while Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE took custody of the 2 vessels at the offshore location.”

According to him, Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and elements of Forward Operating Base IBAKA facilitated the transfer of the arrested vessels and crew members to the Navy jetty in Calabar.

Oladipo said a similar arrest of another vessel, MT Steliosk, was made on April 10.

He said arrests demonstrate the shared commitment and proactiveness of the Defense Headquarters and Nigerian Navy towards curbing crude oil theft in Nigerian waters through inter-service and inter-agency collaboration.

In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, appreciated the Commander for his support and assured the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, of their commitment to more arrests of criminals in the area.

The post Navy arrest two vessels with 939 metric tons of crude oil appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Daniel Abia

Children of the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, the Amanyanabo of Opobo, in Opobo Nkoro local government area of Rivers state have been urged to resist the temptation of  fighting over assets left behind by the late monarch as this could be a sure recipe for chaos and anarchy in the royal family. 

Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara gave the advice while paying tributes in honour of the deceased monarch during the funeral church service held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, weekend. 

Governor Fubara said that rather than dissipating energy fighting over inheritance, members of the royal family should all work towards their own personal successes and  preserve  the peace and unity of the family. 

He warned that fighting over inheritance was needless as the fight would only create division in the royal family while  the  assets would depreciate in value over time. 

“What you inherit are assets. You don’t inherit success. You have to work for your own success. So if you have that in mind, I don’t think there will be any crisis in the family.

So, I want you to have that as a guide. He’s a peaceful man and he will be very sorrowful whenever he sees his family in disarray, fighting over inheritance. Forget about whatever inheritance or assets that our late King has left behind”.

Fubara described the late monarch as a man of class and dignity who  had  a peaceful and successful reign. According to him,  the monarch who joined his ancestors at the age of 83 led the Opobo Kingdom to great heights. 

He noted that outside the legendary King Jaja  and the  other chiefs that founded Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja was the only one that has made very  significant achievements that has brought the kingdom to limelight. He recalled that  during his reign, the  Kingdom produced  a Deputy Governor and a Governor, adding that his transition has to be celebrated. 

“Today, is not a day of mourning.  By  the special grace of God, our late King attained the most important biological age, according to the Bible, which is 70. And because of his deeds, his gentleness and peacefulness, God added another thirteen years  to make it 83. 

“You can understand that for a lot of reasons, he was a successful man. He has done his work.  He lived a very peaceful life. Even when we were battling with who becomes the king, who doesn’t become the king, he kept his  cool. He was peaceful. I describe him as a man of class and dignity. 

“Today, we should celebrate him with peace. We should celebrate him with a sense of fulfilment. We should celebrate him as somebody who has finished his own race and it is now left for us to continue his story.,” he said.

He charged the Amanyanabo-elect  to be prepared to chart a new course for  the kingdom through wisdom and pragmatism, instead of trying to conform with the tradition of  filling  the big shoes left by his predecessor. 

In a  sermon delivered  at the funeral service,  Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta,  Dr Emmanuel Oko Jaja reflected on  the transient nature of life and enjoined the congregation to avoid pride and primitive acquisition of wealth as all  such things would be vanities at the end of life. 

The cleric who took his message from Revelation 21: 1-7, reminded the congregation that ultimate authority rests with God, whom he described as the “water of life” for all who seek Him.

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The post Death of Opobo King: Fubara warns against fight over inheritance appeared first on Vanguard News.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the alleged smear campaigns by opposition parties will not prevent the party from winning the August 15 governorship election.

Oyintiloye who made the remarks while addressing journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, stated that accusations against the party and Bola Oyebamiji, its governorship candidate were driven by fear of defeat.

He said the opposition had resorted to a deliberate spread of falsehoods in a bid to mislead voters ahead of the polls.

According to him, “such actions reflect growing anxiety within opposition ranks over the APC’s perceived strength in the forthcoming election.

“The opposition is jittery because of the electoral defeat that awaits them on Aug. 15, and that is why they are spreading misinformation on a daily basis.”

Oyintiloye maintained that the electorate had become more discerning and would not be influenced by fabricated stories.

“But the good news is that the people of Osun are now wiser and will not repeat the mistake they made in 2022.

“They are eager to return the APC to power in Osun,” he said.

The former lawmaker stressed that the party had resolved internal challenges and was now better positioned for the election.

Oyintiloye also highlighted the role of the campaign committee led by Oluwole Oke, noting that its composition had further strengthened the party’s prospects.

He urged residents of the state to remain steadfast and not be swayed by what he described as desperate attempts to derail the state’s return to progressive governance.

Osun Guber: Smear campaign cannot stop APC victory — Oyintiloye

The Abia State Homeland Security Agency has apprehended a group of suspected vandals caught in the act of vandalizing the roofing structure of Amuzukwu Primary School.

The suspects were apprehended following a coordinated operation by our operatives and the Amuzukwu Vigilante group.

Their swift response and cooperation led to the successful interception of the suspects.

The apprehended suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for thorough investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

The Agency unequivocally condemns all acts of vandalism and reiterates its zero-tolerance stance against the destruction of public infrastructure. Measures are being intensified to safeguard government facilities and maintain public order across the state.

Members of the public are also enjoined to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies without delay.

Similarly, the Agency also announced the suspension of a female staff identified as DDL Tochi Oluebube, over her alleged involvement in the vandalism of government property in Osisioma Local Government Area.

In an official statement released by the agency’s spokesperson, Ezinwanne Alili, the management emphasized its strict stance against misconduct and indiscipline among its personnel. According to the statement, the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any act capable of undermining public trust or damaging government assets.

The officer has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation being conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.

Authorities confirmed that the probe will be thorough, transparent, and impartial to ensure accountability and justice.

The agency further stated that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in line with its established code of conduct once the police investigation is concluded. It reassured residents that no individual found guilty of misconduct would be shielded from consequences.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the agency stressed that actions contrary to its mandate will not be tolerated. It also highlighted its alignment with the vision of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, which prioritizes law enforcement and public safety.

School Roof Vandalism: Abia Security Operatives Arrest Suspects, Suspend Staff is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Osun State, Najeem Salaam, has picked a female running mate ahead of the August governorship election, saying the choice was driven by strategic considerations.

He stated that the selection of the female running mate, Yemisi Agiri, was part of efforts to broaden representation and enhance inclusiveness within the party’s campaign structure.

He added that, if elected in the August 15 governorship election, an ADC-led administration would prioritise inclusive governance across Osun State.

Salaam made the remarks on Saturday during the party’s state congress held in Osogbo, where new state executives were elected.

The event attracted delegates from all 30 local government areas of the state and was conducted under tight security.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, were deployed to the venue to maintain order throughout the exercise.

The congress was supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Committee, Mudashiru Akinlabi.

At the end of the exercise, Issa Adesiji emerged as state chairman, while Lani Baderinwa was elected as secretary through a consensus arrangement.

Other members of the executive included Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary.

In his address, Salaam assured party members and residents that his administration would pursue what he described as real development across the state.

“We chose a female running mate for strategic reasons, and we are committed to building a government of inclusion that will consider the interests of all groups in decision-making,” Salaam said.

In his acceptance speech, Adesiji called on party executives to prepare for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

“I quickly want to call on all members of this brand new Osun Exco to tighten up their belts for the big task ahead of us.

“As we all know, we are taking the party from almost a point of inertia, coupled with having a ‘must win’ governorship election in four months’ time,” Adesiji added.

“I specially call on all people of good conscience to join me and my team in working to win the election, as teamwork makes success easier,” he added.

Osun ADC Picks Female Running Mate For Guber Election is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A 93-year-old great grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor are among suspects arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as it intensifies nationwide operations against drug trafficking networks.

The arrests were disclosed in a statement on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

According to the agency, the nonagenarian, Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, was arrested at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State on April 7, 2026.

A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis. The suspect reportedly said he had been using the substance since 1959 and went into the drug trade over a year ago.

In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives uncovered an international drug trafficking link following the arrest of an Ivorian national, Gohouri Michael, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

He was found with 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Milan via Addis Ababa.

Further investigation led to the arrest of a 69-year-old medical doctor, Dr Chudi Daniel Ofomata, in Ogun State. NDLEA said he was identified as the alleged coordinator of the drug movement. Substances including promazepam and promethazine injections were recovered from him.

The agency also reported multiple arrests and seizures across several states. In Ogun State, three suspects were apprehended with 34 kilograms of skunk at Sango Ota, while a 26-year-old woman was arrested in Imo State with 56.2 kilograms of the same substance.

In Niger State, a couple was arrested after 118 kilograms of skunk were discovered in their home. In Borno State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a trailer conveying pharmaceutical opioids, including Rohypnol, codeine syrup, and pentazocine injections, concealed among spare parts.

In Lagos, a commercial bus heading to Port Harcourt was intercepted along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leading to the seizure of 15 kilograms of “Scottish Loud,” a potent cannabis strain, and the arrest of two suspects. In a separate operation in the state, officers recovered 26,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup from a truck in Mushin.

NDLEA also raided a drug joint in Abuja, arresting eight suspects and recovering over 11 kilograms of skunk.

In Edo State, operatives intercepted two trucks carrying a total of 7,245 kilograms of skunk concealed among cartons of beer. Five suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.

Commending officers involved in the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised the agency’s commands for maintaining efforts in both drug supply reduction and demand control nationwide.

NDLEA arrests 93-year-old great grandpa, medical doctor arrested over cocaine, skunk trafficking

An Abia State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Mascot Uzor-Kalu, has rejected an alleged attempt to impose a candidate on the party through a planned endorsement meeting in Umuahia.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Kalu alleged that members of the APC State Executive, LGA chairmen, and selected stakeholders were mobilised under the guise of a meeting for the re-election campaign of President Bola Tinubu, but insisted that the gathering may be aimed at endorsing a preferred aspirant.

He warned that any consensus arrangement carried out without the involvement of all aspirants would be “null and void” and unacceptable.

The statement read, “My attention has been drawn to a so-called stakeholders’ meeting being convened in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, today, April 12, 2026, where members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Executive, LGA chairmen, and other handpicked party stakeholders have been reportedly instructed to mobilise 20 persons per ward under the belief that the meeting is about the presidential campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Credible information available to me indicates that this gathering is nothing more than a premeditated plan to foist an aspirant on the party through an endorsement charade.

“Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: any premeditated consensus arrangement orchestrated by the APC State Working Committee (SWC) and stakeholders, without the participation of all aspirants contesting for the same position, is illegitimate, unacceptable, and null and void ab initio. Such an imposition will be met with stiff and unequivocal resistance.

“The APC must not be reduced to a tool for personal ambition. Party executives were elected to uphold fairness and internal democracy, not to impose candidates,” Kalu stated.

He continued, “I therefore caution the Abia APC SWC to desist from actions that could undermine party unity and credibility. The era of coercion, backdoor arrangements, and political puppetry is over. As elected custodians of the party structure, members of the SWC must remain neutral and refrain from dancing to the tune of any aspirant.

“I stand firm with all Abians; no amount of intimidation will make me step down. Every Abian has the constitutional right to run for any political office they deem fit. We shall not be cajoled into believing that one individual, who is not prepared to run for office, is now the anointed candidate.

“The APC SWC is hereby warned to desist from attending any pro-group meetings, especially those convened by aspirants. The integrity of our party is non-negotiable, and any attempt to subvert it will be strongly challenged.”

When contacted, the Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Uche Aguoru, dismissed the alleged plans by the State Working Committee.

He insisted that the State Executive Committee, led by Mr Chijioke Chukwu, remains firmly committed to providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

He said, “The alleged endorsement exists only in the imagination of those raising such concerns.

“Neither the State Working Committee (SWC) nor the enlarged EXCO has endorsed any aspirant at any level. We will ensure that the primary election is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

“It is not unusual for politicians to raise such concerns as part of the political process, often seeking reassurance about fairness.

“However, for us in the SWC, our position is clear: we have no preferred aspirant, we are not endorsing anyone, and we are fully dedicated to ensuring equal opportunity for all.”

Abia APC Governorship Aspirant Alleges Imposition Plot, Party Denies is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, has tasked the management of the Dangote Group of Companies on the need to expand the annual production capacity of its subsidiary, the Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), to 600,000 metric tonnes by the year 2030.
 

The Minister, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin, gave the charge when he visited the DSR Complex in Numan, Adamawa state.
 

The visit was part of the ongoing strategic inspection of sugar projects across the country in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to concerned officials for the acceleration of Nigeria’s attainment of self-sufficiency in sugar production.
 

The Minister noted that the current local sugar production is a far cry from the 1.8 million metric tonnes that the country consumes annually, adding that as a leader in the sector, the DSR must contribute at least 600,000 metric tonnes in the year 2030 and sustain it.
 

“DSR is a vey big player in the industry, one of the three major operators. Our circumstances in this sector will continue to depend on what DSR does. It is very important. I mean since coming to this ministry, I found the NSDC Executive Secretary to be hardworking and passionate about sugar sector development. I have seen the commitment he has demonstrated. But that is the much he can give, he needs to get the cooperation of everyone to make sure that we achieve the laudable goals of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP).

“I have lost count of the number of times Mr. President has talked about developments in the sugar industry in Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings and other sessions,” he said, adding that the 600,000 MT target must be delivered by DSR before 2031.
 

While commending the NSDC for the great job it has done in motivating and monitoring the operators, the Minister noted that the scale of infrastructure, level of investment, and degree of project advancement – especially at the new 6000 TCD plant – observed at DSR reflect a tangible commitment to the objectives of the Backward Integration Programme (BIP).  
 

He commended the DSR team for the commitment to improving recent performances, adding that the federal government is willing to work with them to eradicate all obstacles to increased local sugar production in the country.
 

“I am indeed very happy with what I have seen today but scaling up production to be able to meet Mr. President’s expectations is very important.

“My final comment would be to encourage you, just to let you know that my visit here is to show government’s continuous seriousness and how important government looks at our ability as a country to be self-sufficient in sugar production,” the Minister said.

Fielding questions from journalists on the sidelines on the visit, the Minister continued, “The DSR is not new to government’s Backward Programme (BIP). I can appreciate the entire ecosystem, the community of people, people all work in here, people gainfully employed, there is value addition in terms of harvested cane being processed to refine sugar.

“So, the programme is on course, you know, the only thing is that it needs to be accelerated much more. The NSMP is in its 12th or 13th year. It has expectations and projections in terms of what is supposed to be achieved for a country whose sugar consumption yearly is about 1.8 million metric tonnes. And the fact that Dangote Sugar is at the top among the major operators, so much more is expected from it.

“I mean, there is a commitment on the part of Dangote Sugar to be able to increase its annual production to about 600,000 metric tonnes by 2030 and government is available and ready to work with them in terms of what needs to be done to push them over the line.

“We are aware that there are issues that remain nagging and one of those issues has to do with affordable long term finance, what is called patient capital. We are looking to what extent government can get involved to assist and enable them raise the required capital.”

Also speaking, the Vice President of the Dangote Group, Mr. Olakunle Alake, assured the Minister of the company’s renewed commitment to invest more resources and scale up its production capacity, promising that 600,000 MT target will be met in the year 2030.
 

ENDS

FG Tasks Dangote Group On 600,000MT Sugar Production Target is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

…Says Nigerian lives so devalued world no longer even bothers to condole A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has said a fresh wave of mass killings across Nigeria, many of them underreported, has intensified concerns over global indifference, as repeated attacks in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, parts of the North-Central region, and […]