News
Man arrested for attempting to vandalise NNPC pipeline in Calabar

The Cross River Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) says it had arrested one suspect for allegedly attempting to vandalise a pipeline in Calabar.
The state Commandant of the corps, Mr Samuel Fadeyi, made this known on Monday in Calabar, while briefing newsmen on the activities of the corps.
Fadeyi disclosed that the suspect was arrested on Aug. 26, in connection with an attempt to vandalise a pipeline of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the tank farm in Calabar.
He also disclosed that the suspect was the security personnel of the moribund tank farm, owned by Mettle Energy and Gas, where the pipeline was connected to.
He explained that the suspect was arrested by his men on surveillance patrol alongside the maintenance unit of Latee Jay company, a private outfit involved in the monitoring of pipelines in the state.
According to him, during the surveillance, they noticed a small collapse hole around the area, suggesting that there was a pit in between.
In his words, “NSCDC officials dug the hole and they discovered that it was actually a tunnel, leading from the moribund tank farm, Mettle Energy and Gas, into the pipeline.
“Further investigation showed that they had some equipment which they were actually going to use to connect to the pipeline, breach it and then syphon petroleum product.
“This whole digging took place underground, such that one will not know what was going on. The tunnel leads to the tank farm at one end and the other leads to the pipeline.
“We have commenced an investigation, and the suspect is helping to give us credible information on those behind this illegal act”.
The commandant noted that the act was carried out by a cartel, assuring that the corps would ensure that those at large were also arrested.
He disclosed that the owners of the tank farm must have permitted the illegal act, adding that the digging of the pit to breach the NNPC pipeline was done within a month.
He said that the distance of the tunnel to the NNPC pipeline was about 100 meters, adding that the suspect had already finished the digging and was waiting to connect their own pipe to the NNPC pipeline.
“Oil theft has been a major problem, in fact, it has dominated the major discourse in the country right now because of the effect on the nation’s economy.
“Last week, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Abubakar Audi, read a riot act to commands in the Niger Delta, particularly on the need to strengthen the anti-vandal team.
“That message was passed unto my men and you can see the result. I can assure you that the perpetrators of this act won’t be spared,” he added.
The suspect, while speaking to newsmen, said he was promised large sums of money by those who involved him in the illegal act.
In his words, “two men came into my office and said they want to help me make some money. They asked me to allow them to dig the pipeline and I did.
“They asked me not to panic that I was going to make a huge amount of money. They gave me N500 on the first day they came.
“They went and brought people from Portharcourt who dug this tunnel day and night. They promised that when they want to lay the pipes, they will give me a huge amount of money.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that exhibits recovered from the suspects included a shovel, connecting pipes, buckets and knives.
(NAN)
News
CDS Mourns Veteran Defence Correspondent, Lawrence Bilal Audu

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran defence correspondent and Editor-in-Chief of North East Star Magazine, Mr. Lawrence Bilal Audu, describing him as an embodiment of hard work and professionalism.
Audu, who was also a Defence Correspondent for OurNigeria News Magazine, reportedly passed away in his sleep on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
In a condolence message to OurNigeria News Magazine, General Musa praised Audu’s commitment to ethical journalism, noting his steadfast dedication to accurate and responsible reporting.
Recalling their interactions during his tenure as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, the CDS commended Audu’s efficiency and dedication in covering the region’s security challenges.
“Lawrence was a hardworking, patriotic, and dedicated journalist with a fine disposition. His passion for truth and professional integrity was evident in his work,” General Musa stated.
He extended his condolences to Audu’s family and colleagues, praying for divine guidance and support for those he left behind.
The Defence Chief also urged staff and management of OurNigeria News Magazine to uphold the late journalist’s legacy by maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in media practice.
Headlines
North Hails Tinubu’s Marching Order to End Banditry by 2025

Stakeholders in northern Nigeria have applauded President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the military to end banditry and insecurity by the end of 2025, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring peace and stability.
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, who announced the directive recently, assured that the military would sustain its aggressive operations against criminal elements.
“The bandits are now on the run, but the military will not rest until we end this thing. The president has given us marching orders to end insecurity in every part of our country by the end of this year.
“The Chief of Defence Staff and the National Security Adviser are working day and night to actualize that target. As you have seen, we are putting pressure on all the theatre operations,” Badaru said.
Citizens across the North-East and North-West welcomed the development, stating that insecurity remains a major obstacle to progress, particularly in food security and economic activities.
A Borno-based farmer, Abubakar Ibrahim, said the presidential order gave hope for a return to normalcy. He stressed the need for a massive military push to clear insurgents from the Lake Chad region, which is crucial for all-year-round farming.
“We are happy a deadline of December is given. There’s always a need for a timetable to get things done. Rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resettlement programmes are ongoing in Borno, but we still face challenges from remnants of terrorists that need to be cleared,” Ibrahim said.
In Adamawa, former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, also commended the presidential order, emphasizing its potential to restore economic activities.
“It is indeed very comforting to hear the Commander-in-Chief issue a direct order to the troops. Flushing out bandits has multiple benefits, including the restoration of productive activities such as farming and trading. That is the real import of the President’s directives.
“While expressing total support for this bold decision, it is also necessary to advise that the President should equally give another directive for the non-kinetic component of the fight against banditry and insurgency. A robust public enlightenment campaign should accompany this renewed onslaught,” Sajoh said.
In Zamfara, residents of Shinkafi Local Government, including Salisu Tunga and Aminu Bello, praised recent military gains but urged for intensified operations.
“Bandits are still harassing some communities in Shinkafi, raising the need for more intense military operations to complete the job. Up to now, travellers need military escort in areas like Dansadau, Magami, Dangulbi, Zurmi, Kauran Namoda, Shinkafi, Moriki, Maradun, and Maru,” Tunga said.
He further lamented that some communities in Tsafe, Zurmi, and Bukkuyum LGAs were still being forced to pay levies to bandits, stressing the need for decisive action.
In Kebbi, the Deputy Governor, Sen. Umar Tafida, confirmed that bandits were infiltrating from neighbouring states and Niger Republic but assured that security measures were in place to counter the threats.
The Director in charge of Security at the Kebbi Cabinet Office, Alhaji AbdulRahman Usman, highlighted significant progress in securing the state.
“They used to attack Argungu, Augie, and Arewa Local Government Areas but have been chased away and dealt with,” Usman said.
In Sokoto, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmad Aliyu, Col. Ahmad Usman (Rtd), described the presidential order as timely, noting that military operations were yielding results.
“Many terrorist enclaves were identified and destroyed, with several bandits neutralized. Hundreds of kidnapped victims are also being rescued in the ongoing operations,” he said.
With the military intensifying its offensive, residents remain hopeful that the December deadline will bring an end to the scourge of banditry and pave the way for lasting peace.
Headlines
Oyebanji Warns Ekiti Pilgrims Against Tarnishing Nigeria’s Image in Israel

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged 17 Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel to uphold Nigeria’s reputation and avoid any actions that could bring embarrassment to the country.
Speaking during a prayer service held in Ado-Ekiti ahead of their departure, Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, emphasized the importance of spiritual rebirth in shaping a nation’s development through attitudinal change and character rebranding.
He encouraged the pilgrims to remain dedicated to the spiritual exercise, ensuring that the benefits reflect in their personal lives and society at large.
“We desire a society that is corruption-free, where people can imbibe the fear of God in their operations and daily lives,” Oyebanji stated.
“I therefore charge you to pray not only for yourselves, but for our dear state, nation, and the world at large. We live in times that require our collective prayer and unity more than ever.
“I plead that you do not engage in any act that can jeopardize the intentions of this pilgrimage and put our nation into unwarranted international embarrassment,” he added.
The governor reminded the pilgrims that the journey was not just physical but spiritual, urging them to make the necessary sacrifices and embrace piety to maximize the benefits of their participation.
In his exhortation, the Government House Chaplain, Segun Awolumate, described spiritual voyages as a source of blessings, emphasizing that true transformation would only come through holiness.
“I expect you to be holier and believe more in God after this journey. You have to be fully revived. Your prayers too must bring revival to Ekiti and Nigeria.
“The land you are visiting is not ordinary; it is filled with the spirit and covenant of God. Make good use of this opportunity,” Awolumate said.
Also present at the service were the Secretary of the Ekiti State Christians’ Pilgrimage Welfare Board, Sunkanmi Adu, as well as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Chairman of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, among others.
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