The Nigerian Navy has promised to provide the necessary support to the youths of Ikuru community in Rivers as part of effort to arrest the activities of illegal bunkers in the area.

The Commanding Officer of the Naval Outpost in Ikuru, Capt. Murtala Suleiman, made the promise during a visit to the traditional council of the community in Andoni Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Received by the chairman, Council of Chiefs, Jumbo Utija, the Commanding Officer said the partnership became necessary to save the nation from losing resources.

He said the Federal Government was desirous of curbing crude oil theft so that the resources will be channelled boost national development.

“This is primarily the reason why we are willing and open to work with the community to stop this menace that have and still costing us more than money.

“You should know that more money is needed by the government to work for the country and crude remains the country’s major source of income.

“Aside the huge amount the nation is losing through activities of these illegal bunkering, our environment is also being affected by this unwholesome activities.

“So, there is need for collaboration between security agencies, particularly the Navy, and the community where these people operate.

“We must all come in partnership to stop these activities that are harmful to our economy and environment,” he said.

Utija, commended the Navy for ensuring security of the community along with others in the state in the country.

He assured the Navy of the council’s support and promised to intensify efforts towards educating youths about the value of hard and legal means of livelihood.

Police commend Benue people over peaceful LG election The Police Command in Benue has commended the people of the state over their peaceful conduct during the just concluded local government election in the state. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that the election was hitch-free. “The command expresses her highest appreciation to Benue people over their peaceful conduct during the LG polls and urges them to continue in that manner. “No arrest was made during the process because the people conducted themselves in an orderly manner,” she said. Anene said that the command would always strive to ensure that the security of all law-abiding citizens was guaranteed.

Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, says failure will not be tolerated among officers in the rank of captain at the practical promotion exams in the country. Aligbe, who was the examination president, made this known on Monday in Akure during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Captain to Major Practical Promotion Examination (CMPPE). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 200 captains were drawn from different formations and units for the exercise across the country. He explained that the CMPPE was a major pre-requisite to prepare army captains for selection, and to attend the Junior Staff Course at any of the subscribed staff colleges overseas. Aligbe also said that the examination was to evaluate the proficiency of officers on the rank of captain to develop their junior leadership capabilities for higher responsibilities in the Nigerian Army. “Let me assure you all that this is an examination you can pass without resorting to illegal or fraudulent means. “It is therefore important that you put in the seriousness and determination that would produce the best result. “I will like to emphasize that your performance in this examination is a key determinant of your progress in the Nigeran Army (NA). “So, the examination is not just a mere assessment, but an assessment of your present level of proficiency. “As well as determination of your capabilities to undertake higher responsibilities that may be assigned to you now and in future. “Fortunately, you are well-trained and most of you have been in one theatre of operation or the other. Hence, it is presumed that you all had enough time to prepare for the examination. “Therefore, there should be no excuse for failure, and I expect nothing short of 100 per cent pass in this examination,” he said. In his welcome address, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Div., appreciated the NA headquarters for finding the division worthy to host the 2024 CMPPE. Onubogu said that the division had put in place adequate administrative and logistics arrangements as well as security measures during the examinations. “Accordingly, the importance of this examination towards building the capacity of junior leadership in order to achieve national security objectives cannot be over-emphasised. “It is important to state that the security situation in Akure town is relatively peaceful but unpredictable. Therefore, you are adviced to be security conscious and be cautious of where you go. “The disclosure of information on movement of participants and other actions that could compromise the security of personnel should be avoided,” he said.