Crime Watch
Security Operatives Wreak Havoc on Bayelsa Community in Pursuit of Oil Thieves
Bayelsa Community Under Siege: Security Operatives’ Raid Sparks Tensions.
A shocking incident has unfolded in Opuama Kingdom, Bayelsa State, where armed operatives of the Tantita Security Company allegedly injured seven community members during a search for suspected oil thieves. This aggressive operation has escalated tensions among coastal communities, raising concerns of potential militant clashes in Southern Ijaw LGA if left unchecked.
The Opuama Kingdom, comprising 14 autonomous communities and 48 fishing settlements, hosts valuable oil assets operated by SPDC, NAOC, and Chevron. However, the security operatives’ heavy-handed approach has drawn widespread condemnation. Comrade Omatebe Foster Kurotimi, Territorial Youth President of Opuama Kingdom, and Hon. Opumie Collins Trueman, Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa Governor, described the assault as “gross misconduct” by the security pipeline surveillance company.
Eyewitness Accounts
A harrowing incident was reported where a young man loading sand on the waterside was dragged to the waterside and brutally flogged with horse whips and a machete by Tantita operatives. This has sparked outrage, with Kurotimi warning that such actions could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Calls for Investigation and Reform
Community leaders are demanding an investigation by federal, state, and security agencies to prevent potential clashes between aggrieved Opuama youths and Tantita security operatives. Kurotimi emphasized the need for professionalism in addressing oil theft, stating, “We are law-abiding and want peace, but Tantita should not oppress local youths.” Hon. Opumie Collins Trueman echoed this sentiment, urging an end to the oppressive actions of the oil surveillance operatives.
Regional Context
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about oil spills and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region. The Bayelsa State government has previously launched inquiries into environmental damage caused by oil companies. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold.
Crime Watch
EFCC Arrests Four for Alleged Illegal Solid Minerals Trade
Chinese Brothers, Two Nigerians Detained for Suspected Illegal Mining.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two Chinese brothers, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, along with two Nigerian accomplices, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, for allegedly attempting to export solid minerals without the required permit.
The arrest was made possible by an intelligence tip from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024. Wang Jiang was apprehended at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after suspicious stones, believed to be solid minerals, were found in his luggage during the hold baggage screening.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the other suspects. It was also discovered that Wang Jiang intended to travel to China to conduct tests on the solid minerals. However, none of the four suspects possessed the necessary permit to export the minerals to China.
Charges and Next Steps
The suspects will face charges in court once investigations are concluded. This development highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
Crime Watch
Kwara Police Arrest Suspects for Okada Rider’s Grisly Murder
Kwara State Police Command Arrests Three Suspects for Grisly Murder of Okada Rider.
The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended three individuals, Peter Samuel, Jeremiah Tiozinda, and Sunday Agbenke, for allegedly beheading a commercial motorcyclist and stealing his motorcycle in the Asunlere area of Oke Oyi, Ilorin.
Investigation and Arrest
On November 4, 2024, residents of Asunlere community reported the discovery of a headless body near a stream. Detectives swiftly responded, capturing photographic evidence indicating severe violence around the neck ¹. The victim’s body was evacuated to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy.
Recovered Evidence
At the crime scene, police recovered an Itel Android phone and the stolen motorcycle, which were later confirmed to belong to the suspects ¹. Further investigation led to the apprehension of the suspects, who confessed to committing the crime.
Confession and Motive
Peter Samuel, one of the suspects, revealed that Sunday Agbenke, the ringleader, had planned the murder to steal the victim’s newly purchased motorcycle, intending to sell it for financial gain. Samuel confessed to beheading the victim after his companion struck the rider with a plank.
Next Steps
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation. The suspects will soon face arraignment in court.
Crime Watch
DHQ Issues Wanted Notice for Nine Suspects Linked to North East Terrorism
Nine Persons Declared Wanted by Defence Headquarters for Terrorism.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine individuals wanted in connection with terrorism and violent extremism activities in Nigeria’s North East region. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the announcement during a briefing in Abuja. The wanted individuals are:
– Abu Khadijah
– Abur Rahman
– Dadi Gumba
– Abu Yusuf
– Musa Wa’a
– Usman Kanin Shehu
– Ibrahim Suyeka
– Ba Sulhu
– Idris Taklakse
This declaration comes amid intensified military operations in the region, where the armed forces have been working to counter terrorist threats and safeguard national assets. Recent efforts have seen significant successes, including:
– Foiling of multiple terror plots
– Elimination of 192 terrorists
– Arrest of 341 others in just one week
– Rescue of three kidnapped victims in Benue state
The DHQ urges citizens to provide any information that may aid in the apprehension of these individuals.
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