IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have impounded a long-container truck loaded with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a major crackdown on oil theft. The truck, which had an in-built tank for illicit petroleum transport, was intercepted around Eleme junction flyover in Elelenwo following an intelligence tip-off.

However, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the operatives. Chief Superintendent of Corps, Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, said the agency remains committed to dismantling oil theft networks in the country. Babawale explained that the operation was carried out by the NSCDC Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad.

“The truck was sighted while on transit, and our operatives swiftly moved in to impound it. This is a major breakthrough in our ongoing fight against economic sabotage,” Babawale stated. According to him, the red-head, navy-blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY was illegally siphoning crude from vandalized wellheads and destroyed pipelines.

“As our operatives approached, the conveyors of the truck abandoned it and fled the scene. We have launched a full-scale investigation to track down the syndicate behind this illegal operation.” He further revealed that the stolen crude oil and the truck have been confiscated and will undergo legal forfeiture.

“At the conclusion of our investigation, we will file for the forfeiture of the vehicle and its contents in a court of competent jurisdiction. The proceeds will be remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account,” he added. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has expressed deep sympathy for traders and property owners affected by the recent fire outbreak at Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State. The inferno, which broke out over the weekend, reportedly started in one of the market’s buildings before rapidly spreading to adjacent structures, causing significant losses to traders and businesses.

In a statement, Hon. Kalu urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the cause and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. He commended the swift response of the fire service and individuals who helped contain the blaze, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety regulations and precautionary measures by traders and residents.

While expressing relief that no lives were lost, the Deputy Speaker called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide immediate relief materials to support the victims and cushion the impact of their losses. 

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has made another major breakthrough in its ongoing investigation into financial irregularities in the oil and gas sector, recovering an additional $14.2 million (₦21.4 billion) from four companies. This brings the total amount reclaimed by the committee to $33.44 million (₦50.1 billion) so far.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, attributed the success to the strong leadership and commitment to accountability by Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen. He emphasized that the Speaker’s unwavering support has allowed the committee to operate independently and effectively in safeguarding public resources.

According to the PAC, the latest financial recoveries are broken down as follows:

Platform Petroleum Ltd: $1.9 million (₦2.9 billion)

Midwestern Oil and Gas Ltd: $1.578 million (₦2.3 billion)

Universal Energy: $523,845 (₦785.7 million)

Aradel Energy Ltd: $10.3 million (₦15.5 billion)

Hon. Salam reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to fiscal transparency and warned that additional measures would be taken against defaulting companies.

ULTIMATUM FOR FURTHER RECOVERIES:

The PAC has issued a 20-day deadline for four more companies to remit outstanding payments totaling $23.2 million (₦34.8 billion). The affected firms and their required payments are:

Total Energies: $2 million within 7 days

Seplat Energies (SPDC): $6.036 million and ₦1.5 billion within 7 days

Aradel Energy Ltd: $12.1 million within 7 days

Network Exploration: $3.1 million within 7 days

Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could result in public sanctions, including the naming of defaulters in national newspapers.

In a related development, several companies have failed to respond to committee invitations and are now under increased scrutiny. These companies include:

Frontier Oil and Gas

Conoil Producing

Walter Smith Petrochemical

Bilton

Energia Ltd

Aiteo Petroleum Ltd

Pillar Oil Ltd

Additionally, First E & P Oil Company has been directed to reconcile an outstanding balance of $90 million with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and is scheduled to appear before the Committee on April 16, 2025, for further review.

ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS:

The PAC’s investigation is part of a broader push to ensure financial accountability in the oil and gas sector, particularly in response to findings from the 2021 Auditor General’s report, which revealed over ₦10 trillion in outstanding payments to the Federation Account.

Hon. Salam vowed that the era of financial mismanagement in the sector is nearing its end.

“We are determined to recover every kobo owed to the Nigerian people and ensure that public funds are managed with integrity,” he stated. As the PAC continues its investigations and public hearings, further updates on recovered funds and enforcement actions will be provided. The House of Representatives remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and financial discipline in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. 

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites in a sustained crackdown against crude oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region. The operation was conducted between March 24 and 30, 2025, in collaboration with sister security agencies, according to the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

In a statement, Danjuma said security forces also confiscated over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantled illegal refining infrastructure. He said that in Rivers State, troops intercepted an inbuilt fabricated twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen crude along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container truck with registration number LXA 44 XA was seized while attempting to smuggle stolen petroleum products concealed in bags of sawdust. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting security forces.

According to him, further anti-oil theft operations along the Imo River led to the dismantling of several illegal refining sites, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered. The crackdown extended to Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, where two refining sites were destroyed, and 2,800 litres of stolen crude oil were confiscated. Similar operations were carried out in Ebocha, Omoku (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Jelikri Creek in the Degema Local Government Area, where illegal refining sites, drum ovens, hoses, and metal pipes were destroyed.

The Army statement also highlighted significant breakthroughs in Bayelsa State, particularly in Yenagoa LGA, where two illegal refining sites containing over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks were dismantled. In Southern Ijaw LGA, troops uncovered another illegal operation, recovering 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). 

As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitr, some state governors, in their Eid messages, urged them to pray for peace in the country.

Eid-El-Fitr, meaning the festival of breaking the fast marks the end of Ramdan, and is a time of gratitude, charity and communal harmony. In his Eid message, Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, urged citizens to continue living in peace and love while praying for the state and nation.

“Our government is committed to promoting peaceful coexistence. I urge Muslims to sustain these values after Ramadan to build a prosperous and peaceful Adamawa State,” Fintiri said. Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State urged Muslim Ummah to intensify efforts in consistent prayer for prevailing peace across Nigeria.

The governor described prayer as a sure path to securing the entire nation from its current security challenges. Extending warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of Eid-El-Fitr, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, said the prayers are powerful instrument for change.

“Our collective prayers are powerful instruments for positive change. Let us continue to pray for divine intervention in overcoming the challenges facing our dear state and country at large,” Governor Radda urged. 

The Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar on Sunday asked Nigerians to continue to pray and support leaders at all levels of government to be able to bring about the needed growth and development of the country.

Speaking in his Sallah message shortly after the prayers to mark this year’s Eid-El-Fitr celebration, the Sultan urged Nigerians to pray for peace and against the rising insecurity in the country. He expressed concern over the security challenges in parts of the country while commending the security forces for their efforts.

He urged citizens to engage in constructive criticism rather than engaging in frivolous attacks on leaders who are working towards finding solutions to the challenges facing the country. The Sultan commended the efforts of the Sokoto State Government for embarking on many transformative projects in the state, saying citizens need to support the government to do more. Abubakar said the contract between citizens and leaders is a continuous one and urged the government to continue the good work they have started so as to take the state to a greater height. He was particularly grateful to the government and other wealthy individuals in the state who supported residents to observe the Ramadan fast with ease through support of all kinds.

He praised the state governor, Ahmad Aliyu, for assisting the orphans and widows by making special provisions for them during Ramadan and even providing for them to celebrate the Sallah. Sultan Abubakar appreciated the clerics and Ulamas for conducting themselves well during the different Tafsir (sermon) during Ramadan.