Crime Facts

Insecurity: Nasarawa State Government Bans Ethnic Vigilante Groups

  Following the emergency security meeting convened by Governor Abdullahi Sule on Monday, the Nasarawa State government has proscribed all ethnic vigilante groups operating in the state. A statement obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, said the state government has equally directed ethnic vigilante groups affected by the order, to hand over their uniforms and weapons to the state commissioner of police within two weeks. Citing the powers vested in him via Section 97A of the Penal Code, as well as other relevant laws, Governor Sule, said he acted on the advice of the state security council, and has banned the Fulani ethnic vigilante group known as the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya, Bassa vigilante group, as well as the Eggon vigilante group. Through Executive Order No. 1 of 2024, signed by the governor and issued, other associations, movements, organisations or societies affiliated with the group operating under the guise of ethnic vigilante, have also been proscribed. The statement read, “Similar Organisations includes any association, movement or group of persons or society in whatever name called or form, with the aim and objectives of providing security amongst particular ethnic groups within Nasarawa State through the use of force or arms etc,” part of the Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 reads. “Accordingly, the Kungiyar Zaman Lafiya nomad vigilante, Bassa vigilante, Eggon vigilante and other similar organisations are henceforth proscribed, and declared unlawful societies that are inimical to good governance in the state”. The State Government then directed, that members of the Kungiwar Zaman Lafiya nomad Vigilante, Bassa Vigilante, Eggon Vigilante and other similar organisations, hand over all weapons or arms in their possession, along with uniforms to the commissioner of police Nasarawa State, within two weeks from the date of issuance of the order.

Airstrikes killed 30 terrorist kingpins, fighters in Borno – NAF

  The air component of Operation Hadarin Kai (OPHK) has executed a precision airstrike on the hideouts of ISWAP terrorists, killing over 30 of their fighters within Kolleram village along the shores of Lake Chad. In a statement signed by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday in Abuja, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the airstrikes conducted on April 13 were a decisive blow against terrorism in the North-East. He said the operation yielded significant success as the battle damage assessment post-strike conducted revealed the neutralisation of over 30 terrorists. Gabkwet said that among those neutralised were some senior commanders of the insurgents including Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari. “Additionally, numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets were destroyed, severely hampering the terrorists’ operational capabilities. “Intelligence gathered after the air strike further indicated that the aerial bombardment effectively obliterated a key facility within the Kolleram enclave, which served as a hub for the terrorists’ food processing activities, including grinding machines. “The success of these airstrikes underscores NAF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. “By neutralising key terrorist figures and destroying their logistical infrastructure, the operation has significantly degraded the capabilities of the ISWAP group in the region. “These airstrikes complement the ongoing efforts of ground forces in the Lake Chad flank and represent a crucial step forward in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria,” he said. NAN

DAILIES TOP STORIES: More pressures on pockets as food inflation rises to 40%

  Tuesday 16 April 2024 Vandalism worsens grid collapse as gas shortage slashes power supply Naira nears 1,000/$ at parallel market Dangote, modular refineries to pay naira for crude Yoruba Nation: Lecturer defends participation as police parade 21 Over 1,000 kidnapped victims so far rescued without ransom — FG 50,901 drug offenders arrested, 9,034 convicted in three years — NDLEA Oyo invasion: Yoruba Nation sponsors promised to end my hunger —Female suspect FG still subsidising petrol in trillions of naira — el-Rufai Umahi clarifies issues around Lagos-Calabar coastal highway Illegal traffic enforcement: Miscreants take-over Lagos roads US-based Nigerian man, Chidozie shot by wife, dies after 18-day coma ‘I’m coming for you,’ Keyamo tells unlicensed private jet operators Okuama: Army lacks powers to deny Oborevwori, journalists access — Delta stakeholders, Falana Sylvester Oromoni: Coroner Says Death Was Natural But Avoidable APC Officials Denounce Ganduje’s Purported Suspension Trump’s Landmark Criminal Trial Begins In New York National Grid Fully Restored, Says TCN Nigeria Grows Oil Reserves To 37.50 Billion Barrels Tinubu Declares April 7 National Police Day Israeli Army Vows Response To Iran Strikes As World Urges Caution El-Rufai to Tinubu: Sack non-performing appointees, review your policies El-Rufai: FG paying more money on petrol subsidy than before S/West Govs Move Against Yoruba Nation Agitators 4 Ex-Govs, 21 Other Senators Sponsor No Bill In 10 Months Zamfara Varsity Students’ Parents: We’re Excited To See Our Daughters Again Army Kicks As Plateau Community Accuses Troops Of Killing Civilians Crude oil reserves hit37.50 billion barrels 30 arrested for illegal mining in Niger Kidnapping: Wike donates motorcycles to DSS, police, others How we got man behind claim that Fashola wrote PEPC judgments, by police Alleged $6b fraud: Court dismisses Agunloye’s application on ‘amicus curiae’ Nigeria’ll lead Africa in developing, regulating AI globally –FG Mattawalle taunts NEF ex-spokesman Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

Report: NUPRC asks oil producers to meet local supply obligations before exporting

  The Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued new rules requiring oil producers to sell crude to domestic refineries before attending to foreign demands. The commission, on March 27, had given its enforcement committee 48 hours to produce a template for the implementation of domestic crude oil supply obligation (DCSO) in Nigeria. According to Bloomberg, under the regulations, all oil firms in the country will be obliged to supply crude to domestic refiners that can not independently source supplies locally. As per the NUPRC measures, producers are only entitled to export crude after meeting their domestic supply obligations. The NUPRC will function as an intermediary between local refiners and producers in cases where a deal can not be reached on crude supply, facilitating a purchase agreement on a willing buyer, willing seller model. According to the regulations, payments for crude to domestic refiners can be made in dollars, naira or both. The regulator said it plans to implement the domestic crude oil supply obligation measure in the second half of the year. The volume that each refinery will need to take has not been determined yet, according to the publication. “Local refiners in Africa’s largest crude producer have complained of being starved of feedstock by oil firms, which prefer exports to earn dollars and avoid the risk of holding a weakening local currency,” the publication said. “In addition to the 650,000-barrels-a-day Dangote Refinery, there are at least five operational modular refineries in Nigeria producing diesel and kerosene as well as the state-owned Port Harcourt refinery that is also expected to come on stream this year.” On January 30, it was reported that the Dangote refinery would import US crude, after receiving from the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO). The publication also reported Dangote refinery bought one supertanker of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Midland from PetroChina for May 1-10 arrival.

El-Rufai: FG paying more money on petrol subsidy than before

  Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, says the federal government is spending more on petrol subsidy than before. President Bola Tinubu, in his inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, said the subsidy on petrol “is gone”. However, speaking with journalists after delivering the lead paper at a capacity-building workshop, in Maiduguri on Monday, el-Rufai said the government has started paying petrol subsidy. “The federal government is now subsidizing fuel; many people don’t know this,” el-Rufai said. “It is a right policy. I have always supported the withdrawal of oil subsidy; but in the course of implementing the policy, the government realised that subsidy has to be back; right now, government is spending a lot of money for subsidy, even more than before. “You start implementing a policy because you are absolutely sure it is the right policy, but in the course of implementation, you come across bottlenecks, and you modify. “The keyword in leadership, in my view, is pragmatism. You should be pragmatic. So when you make a policy, you start implementing it, and it doesn’t seem to work well. You should have the humility to stand back and say this is not working, and you modify it.” On August 15, 2023, TheCable reported that President Bola Tinubu is considering a “temporary subsidy” on petrol. Sources in the presidency told TheCable that there is no final decision yet but the proposal is firmly on the table.

Israeli Army Vows Response To Iran Strikes As World Urges Caution

  Israel’s army chief on Monday vowed a response to Iran’s unprecedented attack against the country which has prompted appeals for de-escalation by world leaders fearing wider conflict. Six months of war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza have triggered violence across the region involving Iranian proxies and allies who say they act in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. But tensions have surged even higher with Tehran’s first direct assault on Israel, in retaliation for a deadly April 1 strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus. “This launch of so many (Iranian) missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response,” Israeli army chief General Herzi Halevi said, addressing troops at the Nevatim military base hit in Iran’s Saturday barrage. But the military also said it would not be distracted from its war against Hamas in Gaza. The United Nations on Monday cited reports of “air strikes, shelling and heavy fighting” for the past five days around Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah. Engaged in terrorism’ Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel late Saturday, according to Israel’s military which said nearly all were intercepted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his war cabinet late Monday to discuss possible reactions, local media said, as Israel issued its first official comment on the deadly Syria strike. “These were people who engaged in terrorism against the State of Israel,” military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. “There was not a single diplomat there as far as I know.” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps named two generals as among seven of its members killed in the consular attack. Tehran says its missile and drone barrage against Israel was the first act of a tough new strategy. The Iranian president’s political deputy, Mohammad Jamshidi, wrote on X that the “era of strategic patience is over” and further targeting Iranian personnel and assets “will be met with a direct and punishing response.” Tehran said it considered the matter “concluded” unless Israel chose to commit “another mistake”. Israel’s top military supplier the United States played a key role — with other allies — in shooting down the Iranian drones. US officials, increasingly critical of the civilian death toll in Gaza, have urged caution on Israel after Iran’s attack. “We don’t seek escalation, but we’ll continue to support the defence of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. US President Joe Biden has told Netanyahu that Washington would not offer military support for any retaliation against Iran, according to a senior US official. Netanyahu has been less vocal than usual since Iran’s attack, but late Monday he said on X that the international community “must continue to stand united in resisting this Iranian aggression, which threatens world peace.” At the White House Biden, meeting Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, said: “We’re committed to a ceasefire that will bring the hostages home and prevent the conflict spreading beyond what it already has.” Israel estimates that 129 hostages, including 34 presumed dead, remain in the hands of Palestinian militants in Gaza since their October 7 attack triggered the war with Israel. Bridge blocked Reflecting both the domestic pressure Biden is under, and global calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge on Monday. The UN cited reports of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in eastern Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city which Israel has for two months threatened to invade in pursuit of Hamas. Hamas’s October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,797 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The toll rose by at least 68 deaths over 24 hours. Israel released around 150 detainees on Monday who had been rounded up in Gaza, the territory’s crossings authority told AFP. The agency alleged “mistreatment” of the detainees, which Israel’s military denied. Further emphasising the regional dimensions of the war, Israel’s army said four of its troops were wounded inside Lebanese territory after Hezbollah said it had targeted a group of Israeli soldiers with “explosive devices” when they crossed the border. Catastrophic hunger’ Following the Iranian attack, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting Sunday, where Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the region was “on the brink” of war and called for a defusing of tensions. On Monday Britain, Germany, Italy and France were among those also calling for de-escalation. A United States official said the hope was that “in the light of day” Israel would see it had won a “spectacular success” against Iran’s attack, which resulted in no reported deaths. However, Middle East analyst James Ryan said “Netanyahu has already shown a willingness to test any kind of limit Biden wishes to impose”. Netanyahu, who leads a coalition including religious and ultra-nationalist parties, has faced regular protests by anti-government demonstrators as well as supporters of the Gaza hostages demanding the government get them home. Experts, and the protesters, have said they expect Netanyahu to continue the Gaza war as a tactic to remain in power. British airline EasyJet on Monday said it was pausing flights to and from Tel Aviv until April 21, “due to the evolving security situation,” but on global markets world oil prices sank as traders bet on a de-escalation of tensions. The UN said it delivered on Sunday a four-day supply of fuel to enable a Gaza City bakery to resume operations in northern Gaza, which “has largely been cut off from aid and has recorded the highest levels of catastrophic hunger in the world.” AFP

50,901 drug offenders arrested, 9,034 convicted in three years — NDLEA

  The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has arrested a total of 5,0901 drug offenders, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons in the last three years. The Chairman of the agency, Brig-Gen Muhammed Marwa (retd.), made this known on Monday at the inauguration and handing over ceremony of an operational facility built and donated by the British Government to the NDLEA in Lagos. Marwa said within the period, the agency had successfully prosecuted and convicted 9,034 of them as well as seized over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances. This, according to him, would not only disrupt the flow of illegal drugs but also serve as a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for their distribution. He said, “Our operations have undergone substantial reforms resulting in remarkable achievement within the last three years. During this period, the NDLEA achieved significant milestones in its mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse with a total of 5,0901 arrests, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons. Our agency has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bringing those involved in illicit drug activities to justice. Furthermore, the conviction of 9,034 offenders underscores our relentless pursuit of accountability and deterrence in the fight against drug-related crimes. “Our seizure of 7,560,749 kilogrammes of that 7,561 tonnes not only disrupts the flow of illegal drugs but also serves as a significant blow for the criminal networks responsible for their distribution.” Marwa added that the agency had taken decisive action against illicit drug crop cultivation with its search and destroy campaign against cannabis plantation which had led to the destruction of over 1000 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years. “At this time, we are looking at alternatives. We are strategising on how to control cannabis cultivation in Nigeria through the encouragement of cannabis growers to turn their attention to growing alternative illicit drugs and with this, an alternative development unit has been created in my office,” he added. Speaking at the ceremony, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, assured the agency of continued support to the NDLEA and Nigeria. He said: “We, the UK Government, are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA and I’m in particular delighted to have been personally in several activities especially your maritime. This building makes a whole set of different actors and capabilities to address any criminal activity. “We’re delighted to continue our support for the NDLEA and the Nigerian government to tackle what is sadly a global industry, which needs a global response. I’d like to join the chairman in affirming our continued support, our continued cooperation, and indeed our continued pride in working together with ladies and gentlemen of this agency, the NDLEA.” The NDLEA in February intercepted what it described as the single largest heroin consignment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja. Similarly, it reportedly arrested members of an organised criminal organisation which specialised in trafficking heroin across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe and America in an operation leading to the seizure of the consignment which weighed 51.90Kg

Crude oil reserves hit37.50 billion barrels

  Nigeria’s crude oil reserves rose from the 36.96 billion barrels (bb) to 37.50bb within a year, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), said yesterday.   The natural gas reserves also increased from 208.83 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) to 209.26TCF within the same period. The records are contained in the January 2023 to January 2024 update given in Abuja yesterday by NUPRC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gbenga Komolafe He attributed the increase in the reserves to production from some of the marginal fields in the country and the several initiatives of the commission. The NUPRC boss said: “The brown fields and marginal fields, some of them, have started producing and contributing to our national oil and gas reserves.” According to him, the data shows the level of hydrocarbon capacity the nation is endowed with. On the template for domestic crude oil supply obligation, Komolafe said that in compliance with the provisions of Section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, the commission, in a landmark move, has developed a template guiding the activities for Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation (DCSO). He recalled that in conjunction with relevant stakeholders from Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), representatives of Crude Oil/Condensate Producers, Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the commission came up with the template for the buy-in of all, in a bid to foster a seamless implementation of the DCSO and ensure consistent supply of crude oil to domestic refineries. Komolafe said the strategic initiative aligns with the policy of the current administration and the declaration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Nigeria is ready for business. He added that President Tinubu, as part of his administration’s fiscal policy vacated barriers to investment in the oil and gas sector. Komolafe said the development aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to bolstering domestic refining capacity and ensuring the sustainability of its oil industry. He said: “The template provides a transparent framework aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders for a thriving energy sector. “It is therefore my pleasure to unveil the template for DCSO compliance. With this development, the second half of 2024 is poised to witness increased synergy between local refineries and producing companies, setting the stage for a more robust and self-reliant petroleum landscape in Nigeria.” Asked whether the template took decision on the currency of transaction of crude oil to domestic refineries, he said according to the PIA, the parties: refinery and crude oil producers are to agree on the currency of transaction whether naira or dollar. He said the price of crude oil, being an international commodity, is determined as such. Komolafe explained that no legitimate crude oil shipped outside Nigeria could be stranded because every official consignment has a designated destination. He was responding to why there is shortage of crude for domestic refineries while some crude oil bearing vessels were stranded on the high seas. Crude oil allocation, he noted, is based on the allocation request from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to the commission and the actual capacity of producers.

Army Kicks As Plateau Community Accuses Troops Of Killing Civilians

  The security situation in Plateau State, particularly in Mangu and Bokkos local government areas, has sparked a disagreement between Operation Safe Haven (OPHS), a security task force, and the Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Nationalities. This dispute stems from allegations by the coalition that soldiers shot civilians in Kopnanle and Mandang Mushu, Mangu and Bokkos LGAs respectively, leading to fatalities and injuries during a recent attack by gunmen in the area.   The Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Nationalities called for the removal of the sector commander in the area, accusing the OPHS personnel of failing to protect lives and property. It claimed that the soldiers’ actions resulted in civilian casualties during the attack. In response, Major Samson Zhakom, the OPHS’s media officer, refuted these allegations, stating that the forces swiftly responded to the attacks, quelling them and minimising casualties. He clarified that while one person was killed and two others injured in Kopnanle, three individuals were injured in Mandang Mushu, two of whom later succumbed to their injuries.   Major Zhakom dismissed the call for the removal of Colonel C. Y. Ofurumazi, the commander of the Step-Up Headquarters in Bokkos, describing it as malicious. He emphasised that the allegations of the vigilante’s killing were an attempt to deflect responsibility and portray the deceased vigilante in a more favourable light. “The use of sophisticated weapons by the acclaimed vigilante was further buttressed by the discovery of eleven (11) rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition in the possession of the dead militia contrary to claims that he was a vigilante who was using a Dane gun to protect his community. Moreover, the acclaimed vigilante was already dead before the troops arrived at the area,” the spokesperson added

Naira appreciates to N1,100/$ in parallel market

  The naira rose further on Monday in the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market. At the Lagos street market, currency traders, also known as bureau de change (BDC) operators, quoted the naira at N1,100 to the greenback. The traders put the buying price of the dollar at N1,070 and the selling price at N1,100 — leaving a profit margin of N30. The figure represents an appreciation of N50 or 4.34 percent from the N1,150/$ it traded on April 12. At the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees official foreign exchange (FX) trading in Nigeria, the local currency rose by 5.72 percent or N69.02 to N1,136.04/$ on Monday — from N1,205.06/$ on April 12. On April 11, the presidency said President Bola Tinubu’s multi-faceted approach to eliminating foreign exchange (FX) racketeering is strengthening the naira against global currencies. In a statement on Wednesday, Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media, said the country’s financial position will improve, leading to the possibility of Nigerians experiencing a stronger naira and a decrease in the prices of goods. The President has been very consistent in his view that the labour pains felt by our people and the incredible sacrifices made by our people over the past 10 months would be rewarded across the board,” Ngelale said. On April 12, Goldman Sachs Group said the naira could extend gains to trade below N1,000 to the dollar.