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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Military High Command has reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not fold its arms and allow any individual or group of persons to destroy the country’s critical national assets.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country yesterday in Abuja,on the recent incidents of explosions on some crude oil pipelines in Rivers State the military would do all that was within its powers to protect national assets.
Kangye said the military had been in the forefront of protecting the nation’s oil installations in the Niger Delta, adding that the commanding officers were focused on achieving the mandate.
“The field commanders are aware of all that is happening in the field. So, whatever has happened, they will interrogate it and come up with their findings.
“It would be prejudicial for me to tell you this is the outcome of their findings, while they have not formulated their findings.
“I want to tell you that there is no doubt the military will not fold their hands and allow some of our critical infrastructures to be destroyed by criminals.
“That is why they are there, to protect those critical infrastructures,” he said.
Kangye said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had in the last one week foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about N461.7 in the South South region.
He added that a total of 247,629 litres of stolen crude oil and 198,374 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered during the week.
According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 36 crude oil cooking ovens, 42 dugout pits, 28 boats, 33 storage tanks, 65 drums and 21 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered are :pumping machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and some vehicles amongst others.
“Furthermore, 17 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition as well as one extra magazine were also recovered,” he said.
Emefiele: Court rejects EFCC’s additional evidence
From Godwin Tsa Abuja
The The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Abuja, has rejected the additional proof of evidence filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele in the alleged procurement fraud trial brought against him.
The additional proof of evidence which was filed on October 15, 2024, by the anti- graft agency had sought to introduce fresh evidence against Emefiele, more than 365 days when the charges against him was filed.
It also sought to bring two witnesses, Tommy Odama John and Ifeanyi Omeke, whose extra judicial statements were made in August 2024, in respect of the charge that had been filed in August 2023.
However, in his ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele to object to the action of the EFCC, Justice Hamza Muazu held that the anti-graft agency had on February 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.
The judge who noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed since August 14, 2023 and his plea taking on November 16, 2023, said that the action of the EFCC had a resemblance of denial of fair trial because the former governor of CBN was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.
Justice Muazu said that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.
In the ruling, the judge agreed that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached.
Justice Muaza held that the position of the law, is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.
The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.
Justice Muaza said that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.
The judge that having gone so far, justice would be served if the trial is completed on its merit and final judgment delivered in the matter.
He also declined to expunge the evidence of Boss Mustapha and Bamayi Haruna Mairiga from the court records as requested by Emefiele that the evidence of the two witnesses offended Section 36 (2) of the 1999 Constitution on fair hearing.
Emefiele had in the motion argued by his lead counsel, Mr Mathew Burkaa, SAN complained that the evidence of Mustapha and Mairiga were brought to court by EFCC without confronting him with their extra judicial statements made long after the trial had commenced.
Meanwhile, Justice Muaza has fixed June 3, for continuation of trial in the charge marked: FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.
Police confirms death of officer, 12 bandits, arrest of 37 suspects in Benue
From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
The Commissioner of Police Benue State Police Command, CP Steve Yabanet has confirmed the death of one of their officers and 12 bandits in the state.
Benue state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, said the officer was killed when bandits ambushed the officers during an operation in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The statement said, “On March 6,2026, Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, Steve Yabanet had ordered Tactical commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to clamp down on criminals in the state during the usual monthly conference as he had noticed a regrouping of criminal gangs.
“In line with this directives, the Operation Zenda Joint Taskforce embarked on raids across the state. On March 19,while some of the operatives were on their way to a criminal hideout at Agwabi, Tombo ward, Buruku LGA, they ran into an ambush laid by the bandit who engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.”
The Commissioner explained that in response, the police countered the ambush with a more superior fire power that subdued the gang.
“At the end of the cross fire, 12 bandits were neutralized while others escaped. The injured bandits were taken to the hospital were they were confirmed dead and deposited at the hospital morgue.”
He disclosed that three AK-47 rifles, six rounds of live ammunition, camouflage uniforms and assorted charms were recovered from them.
He said that unfortunately a member of the police team, Inspector Terfa Anyiatse, sustained a gunshot injury and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. His corpse has also been deposited at the morgue.
While commiserating with family and friends of the deceased officer, the CP prayed for the repose of his soul.
He also extolled the courage of the operatives involved in the operation.
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Similarly, CP Yabanet said operations carried out around Daudu in Guma LGA and Makurdi by various Divisions led to the recovery of seven locally made pistols, arrest of five suspected robbers and 32 suspected cultist.
He said investigation was ongoing, warning that the state would be too hot for criminal elements.
Kebbi Customs generate N13m in a month, seized N84.2m contraband goods
From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has generated the sum of N13,378,002 within a month and seized smuggled goods worth about N84,219,654.
Customs Area Controller,Kebbi State Command,Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri, confirmed this during a conference at the command’s headquarters, Birnin Kebbi.
He explained that, in spite of the huge setback occasioned by the closure of major borders, Tsamiya/Sebgana, his Command has been able to generate revenue through only one authorized and official Border, Kamba.
According to him, “ through collaboration and partnership with our Niger Republic Counterpart, the seamless flow of cross border trade was achieved. And based on that, even when trade was below expectations, the Command was able to generate N13,378,002 within one month, which is slightly better than what it was”.
Speaking on the anti-smuggling activities,Chukwumeziri explained that due to the synergy with stakeholders and other security agencies,his Command has been able to curbing the activities of smugglers and their syndicates.
“Though, smuggling, considering the peculiar nature of our borders, cannot be completed eradicated, all the Agencies are working so hard to reduce it to the barest minimum. And it was based on these collaboration, cooperation and intelligence sharing with Sister Agencies. alongside the combativeness of our field Officers, that the Command was able to make the following seizures within one month: “145 Bales of Used Second-Hand Clothings, 13,750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),114 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, 20 cartons of New Light Cigarette, 70 Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuit (Expired), 27 Cartons of Sunwatt (AA) Dry Battery (expired), 40 Bags of Foreign Sugar of 50kg each, among others.
“The Duty Paid Value of the seized items is N84,219,654. Equally,on the area of suppressing the smuggling of Petroleum products, the command was able to confiscate 13,730 litres of PMS with fees value of N5,500,000. And this is usually auctioned to the public and the proceeds paid into the Federal Government’s coffers”, he said.
While commending the efforts of the Command,State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Alhaji Muideen F. Suleiman noted that the Nigeria Customs Service has been a leading Federal government agency for them and they would continue to work harmoniously with their officers to achieve a common goal.
APPSN moves against quackery in surveying practice, warns public
By Lukman Olabiyi
The Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Lagos Chapter, has urged its members to enhance their knowledge of surveying practices while committing to strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at educating the public on the importance of hiring registered surveyors.
This call was made during the swearing-in of the new executive council members at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Luncheon, themed “Unlock the Untapped Potential in Surveying Profession.”
APPSN Lagos Chapter Chairman, Ibikunle Adaranijo, explained that the newly appointed executive members would create a strategic plan to guide the association’s activities and initiatives for the next two years.
He emphasized that in order to build a stronger and more effective association that serves the interests of the profession, the Lagos Chapter will focus on organizing more training and workshop programs for its members.
Guest speaker, Olugbenga Adekoya highlighted several challenges limiting the profession, including slow adoption of technology, the need to expand service offerings, the importance of continuous education, collaboration, and branding.
He stressed the necessity of advocacy, public awareness, and a focus on professionalism and ethics.
Adekoya pointed out that many surveyors still rely on outdated equipment and methods, which hinders both efficiency and the scope of services.
He encouraged APPSN members to embrace modern technologies and uphold the surveying profession’s reputation.
The newly sworn-in Chairman of APPSN Lagos Chapter, Olaoluwa Afolabi, vowed to enforce discipline among members and foster stronger collaboration between the Association’s sub-groups and the parent body.
He expressed optimism that his leadership would promote peace, unity, and the overall growth of the profession.
Police arrest Delta community’s youth leader with AK-47 rifle
From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a youth leader, Victor Edavwe, in possession of an AK-47 rifle and 44 rounds of ammunition.
Edavwe, the youth president of oil-bearing Ekpan community, was arrested on March 15, 2025, following a tip-off.
The police also recovered one single barrel gun, three cutlasses, two daggers, and the ammunition from the suspect’s hideout.
Delta State Police Public Relation Officer(PPRO)SP Bright Edafe, in a statement,said that the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO), Ekpan Police station, had received information that the suspect recently purchased an AK-47 rifle.
He said: “The DPO Ekpan division CSP Aliyu Shaba, mobilized and led operatives to Shrine Street in Ekpan, where the suspect, Victor Edavwe,was arrested and taken to the police station for questioning.
“During the interrogation, the suspect gave useful information that corroborated the intelligence earlier gathered and led the operatives to the house of one Efe (surname unknown) A.K.A ‘Eteyomo’.
“A search was conducted in the premises during which one AK-47 rifle, one single barrel gun, three cutlasses, two daggers and Forty-four rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, wrapped in a black sack and concealed on the roof of the sitting room were recovered”.
He said however, that investigation was ongoing, and the suspect is currently in custody.
In a separate operation, the police arrested four suspected armed robbers and kidnappers in Jeddo community, Okpe Local Government Area, acting on intelligence gathered on the criminal activities of kidnappers, armed robbers around Jeddo axis of the state.
The suspects, Endurance Oghoghome, 38, Blessing Oghoghome, 46, Marvellous Dissy, 43, and Jonas Orogho, 38, were arrested on March 16, 2025.
According to Edafe, the suspect upon preliminary investigation led the policemen to their hideout in Jeddo community and a search warrant was executed on the premises.
The police recovered one English pump action gun, two locally made single barrel guns, one fabricated Beretta pistol, one locally made shot gun, and a live cartridge from the suspects.
He said that the suspects and exhibit are in custody while investigation was ongoing.
Commenting on the development, Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the DPO and his men for their dedication and commitment to combating crime. He said that the people of Jeddo community have reached out to the command appreciating their effort, noting that “they can now breathe a sigh of relief due to the arrest of the suspects”.
