Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumption to office, Nigeria has been sleepwalking from one national security disaster to another, perpetuating the bloodbath in the North. The country is now thrown into a frenzy because the danger is closing in on Abuja the seat of power. Security agencies’ fire brigade approaches to these security threats only keep starring the hornets’ nests. 

This article is a call for an honest conversation on Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly banditry.

President Tinubu’s words, deeds and body language, have shown beyond any doubt that all he is interested in is to get into power and control the economy where he has brazenly and unapologetically planted his tribesmen in all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that control and appropriate money. He sees national security issues particularly banditry as irritants and distractions to his grand agenda.

There is so much mistrust of this government because of its lack of transparency that people are seeing the recent spike in kidnapping in Abuja and the whole of the North as artificially engineered to justify the president’s clandestine grand agenda of relocating critical MDAs and eventually, the federal capital back to his hometown, Lagos. 

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Deteriorating security in Abuja and neighbouring states is being cited as a reason for the planned move of critical MDAs. The Presidency has so far remained tight-lipped in addressing people’s real concerns about these speculations.

Abuja witnessed worse real security threats during President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, but as the commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, he did not cut and run. So, the Presidency should come clean with Nigerians and tell us the real reasons for wanting to relocate the federal capital to Lagos instead of these embarrassingly sneaky and defeatist ones.

The new military leadership has been singing the same old song that Nigerians have heard over the last eight years without presenting any concrete plan on how they will do things differently to end Nigeria’s multiple security challenges.

 It is no secret that the wars on banditry, Boko Haram and Niger Delta militancy have all become fat cash cows for the military, which explains why these conflicts have been allowed to fester for this long. President Tinubu is unlikely to change this culture.

Although there is a very important role for the military, there is not going to be a military solution to banditry in Nigeria, the increasing militarisation of the conflict has so far been disastrous. The honest truth is that the military cannot bring peace between our peoples, to think differently, will be delusional. History has taught us that conflicts like this have never been won on the battlefield. 

Banditry is essentially a social problem that has been allowed to fester and mutate into the profit-driven criminal enterprise it has become. All the drivers of these conflicts are local and their solutions must be found locally. Big military plans from Abuja without involving local stakeholders have not worked over the last eight years and will never work. So, things must be done differently to bring an end to this conflict, which in my heart of hearts, I know can be solved with the right approach.

The increasing brazenness of the terrorists, abduction of female students, forced marriages of female captives, the use of explosives and attacks on police and military installations are all the modus operandi of Boko Haram, not bandits. We have for years been raising the alarm on encroachment of Boko Haram and its affiliates into the North West and North Central parts of the country and their unholy alliance with bandits. 

Overall, there is a lot more than meets the eye about these flare ups of violence in Abuja and the North in general. We have received several reports of gunmen in military uniforms killing Fulani herders and dumping their corpses around villages of locals populated by mostly Christians, just to incite reprisals. This is obviously not the handiwork of our professional military.

For an enduring peace, the goal should be to demilitarise this conflict and involve all local stakeholders for aggressive nationwide reconciliation between all communities, rehabilitation and disarmament of all warring parties. Otherwise, the war on banditry will be forever. 

We will just be going round in cycles if the financiers, collaborators, supporters and the leadership of these terrorists are not identified and prosecuted.

The Nigeria Police Force, a critical arm of law enforcement, has essentially abdicated its primary responsibility of internal policing to the military, reducing it to guarding VIPs or individuals and businesses that can pay. It is the police that are closer to the people, not the military that comes and goes. The Nigeria Police Force is dangerously under-resourced, understaffed, poorly motivated and has lost focus from its primary mandate.

At a time when the country is facing the worst insecurity of our lifetime and citizens are experiencing excruciating daily hardships, it is unfortunate that our elected representatives in the National Assembly are only fixated on their comforts and that of their families, not what matters most to Nigerians.

Equally worrisome is the fact that no two northern state governors are working together on finding lasting solutions to this conflict. Some of these governors have now resorted to forming their own armed militias to fight these terrorists because of the federal government’s failure to meet its primary constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens. 

The dangers of these ethnically non inclusive outfits are: there will be worsening of the violence and bloodshed, extrajudicial killings of the innocent by these militias and the real fears that some governors will use these militias to intimidate their political opponents. The federal government should, as a matter of urgency, increase the size of the military and the police.

Dialogue is a legitimate tool in resolving any conflict. Some new governors have declared that they will not negotiate with bandits and criminals, citing the failure of such efforts in the past as reasons. But past efforts cannot truly be considered as sincere dialogues.

For a true and genuine dialogue to succeed, the following steps will need to be taken – The federal government must support and take complete ownership of the process, the process should be led by experts rather than politicians, a comprehensive stakeholder mapping and identification needs to be done to bring in all stakeholders, and there should be a declaration of ceasefire to enable unhindered participation of all parties. 

Several federal government security agencies are widely reported to be currently engaged in dialogues with some bandits groups, mostly in the North West. Concerns we are getting from the field that will militate against the success of these dialogues are: There is no coordination among these many groups or a central reporting agency in charge of guarding the process, banditry is being approached in the dialogue as an ethnic Fulani problem rather than the national problem that it is, bus-loads of the Fulani from states in the North East that have no understanding of the culture or terrain of the people in the North West and North Central are transported to solve banditry in these zones, important local stakeholders are excluded, and money is said to be changing hands, mostly to select bandit leaders.

All these mistakes are a recipe for failure, with far-reaching consequences that will be very difficult to fix. 

Northern Nigeria needs to wake up to the systematic grand agenda to balkanise the region along ethnic, religious and economic lines. This evil agenda poses an existential threat to the region’s security, economy, social fabric and cohesion of its peoples, a rift that will take generations to heal.

Step 1: The decimation of the North East by Boko Haram insurgency, which has been raging for 15 years with devastating consequences.

Step 2: Banditry in the North West and North Central is perhaps the biggest threat to the peaceful existence of the North because, in addition to the serious security and economic consequences inflicted on the region, a seed of hatred has now been planted between ethnic groups, particularly between the majority the Hausa and Fulani that have lived in peace for generations 

Step 3: The North, which is home to 65 per cent of the 133million Nigerians in multidimensional poverty, has the most out-of-school children, highest unemployment and drug abuse among youths.

Step 4: Politics in the region, especially during the 2023 elections cycle, has been more divisive than anywhere else in the country. The ruling APC’s 2023 Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket has widened the divide between Muslims and Christians in the North, which is fueling religious strife not seen elsewhere in the country.

Step 5: The strained relationship with Niger Republic following the military coup on 26 July 2023 that led to ECOWAS sanctions and border closure on Niger is causing severe hardship on Nigerians in the seven northern states bordering the country and will no doubt worsen poverty and insecurity in the North.

As true leaders that live with and see the sufferings of their people, the dignified silence of our traditional rulers in the midst of all the injustices in the land only deepens the feelings of despair and hopelessness amongst people in the region, particularly the restless youths. People need to hear and see our traditional rulers getting more involved, collectively articulating their concerns and advocating them.

In the midst of raging insecurity, hunger, excruciating poverty and sufferings in the land, some northern Muslim clerics have allowed their silence to be bought. Instead of speaking up against these injustices and preaching the true words of the scripture, they remain silent. The most disturbing trend now is that a few vocal ones are fighting each other on the social media on frivolous issues. 

We northern elites that have seen and benefitted from a better Nigeria cannot, and should not continue to remain aloof to the state of the nation and the suffering of our people. We need to get positively engaged and give a voice to our voiceless many.

 Corruption remains far and away the biggest risk to Nigeria’s national security. Nigeria is a very richly endowed country that has no reason to be poor but the nation’s commonwealth is in the hands of a few. Peace will forever elude any society with as much corruption as there is in Nigeria. 

 No military, no matter how powerful, can bomb away injustices, grievances, poverty, citizens’ anger, hunger and illiteracy, which are the main drivers of insecurity. The government must invest in addressing these drivers instead of inexpensive military hardware that can never bring an end to this conflict.

Usman Yusuf is a professor of Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation

Today, I yield this space to a bosom friend of mine, Prof. Eyitope Ogunboodede, the immediate past vice-chancellor (2017 – 2022) of my alma mater, the University of Ife, GREAT IFE! (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife). Titled “Requiem for Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu”, Ogunbodede’s reminiscences on the late governor of Ondo State are as moving as they contain a lot of useful information. Enjoy it!

“It is a harrowing experience writing this piece on Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who many prefer to call by his alias of "Aketi ". I am united to Aketi not only by his and my membership of the Owo Community or by virtue of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), of which he was a committed alumnus, but also as bosom friends. Oluwarotimi Odunayo

Akeredolu (SAN, CON), born on 21 July, 1956 in Owo to Reverend Jacob Ola Akeredolu and Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu of Aderoyiju family of Igbotu, Ese-Odo, in Ondo State, passed on to glory on December 27, 2023 while serving his second term as Governor of Ondo State. He studied Law at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University - OAU), graduating in 1977 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978. He served as the Attorney-General of Ondo State from 1997 to 1999. In 1998, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He was chairman of the Legal Aid Council from 2005 to 2006. He became president of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2008. In 2012, the Nigerian Bar Association named its new secretariat in Abuja after him for “his selfless service”. He was a Managing Partner at the Law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu, which he co-founded with Chief Akin Olujinmi, a former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice of Nigeria.

Akeredolu was sworn in as the governor of Ondo State on 24 February, 2017 in Akure, the Ondo State capital, having won as the flag-bearer of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). While at OAU as a student, he served as president of the Law Students Society. He was also an active member of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), which metamorphosed into the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in 1980. Akeredolu displayed great passion for Obafemi Awolowo University, his alma mater. Their Law firm, Olujinmi & Akeredolu, are External Solicitors to OAU and it handled many cases for the university pro bono. He eruditely delivered the OAU Convocation Lecture at the December 2021 convocation during which Professor Yemi Osinbajo, representing the Visitor, humorously referred to him as “the Commander-in-Chief of Amotekun Forces”!

Akeredolu was an ardent lover and supporter of African culture. During one of his invitations to OAU, he was officially welcomed by the Kegites Club. To the surprise of all that were present, he took the microphone and sang some old Kegites tunes, which were unknown to the current members. He was their “World Songito” and composed many songs for the Kegites during his student days at Great Ife. The Kegites Club, with the motto “Unity in Diversity”, is the first socio-cultural club in the world, founded in 1962 at the Ibadan campus of the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) by students. There are now branches nationally, UK, India, USA and others. Akeredolu was, until his death, working on a befitting World Headquarters for the Kegites Club at OAU. I do hope the project will be completed.

A major lesson to learn from Aketi’s life and times is that when we think as mere mortals that it will be long, God in His own mysterious ways may decide to make it gloriously short for His own purpose. Dying at 67 years is untimely and saddens us but it is comprehensible because we are mere mortals that can be called home at any time or age. In the case of Akeredolu, we have every reason to be thankful because, while he has physically departed, his legacy, good deeds, love for humanity and memory will live forever.

Aketi demonstrated very clearly the numerous positive contributions that can emanate from the toils of a genuine patriot, committed leader and political strategist. He was an epitome of humility, commitment, competence, tenacity of purpose and absolute dedication. He was a political leader that refused to play “politics” with his people. When I challenged him on his posture on some trending issues during his campaign for second term, he simply retorted “Tope, I will only promise what I know is possible. If I fail, I will go back to my law practice. It is not a do-or-die matter”.

In the heat of his bid for a second term, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party at a press conference falsely alluded that I was the Returning Officer invited by INEC for the (Ondo State) governorship election. The party further disclosed that it was rejecting my appointment because I was “a known crony of Governor Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress and hails from Owo, the same hometown as the APC candidate”. The embarrassment to me was mitigated when INEC immediately countered the spurious assertion, informing the public that “the Returning Officer for the Ondo Governorship election is not from Ondo State and not from the university mentioned in the said press conference.”

Aketi called me and asked in his characteristic humorous manner “Tope, what is this falsehood that they are peddling about you? If they truly know you, they will know that you will never accept INEC’s invitation to serve as the Returning Officer for Ondo State where I am one of the candidates. Don’t worry, it is all politics and will soon be over.” I met Governor Seyi Makinde at the book launch of Professor Tope Alonge at Ibadan in March 2021. It was a great surprise to me that he openly apologised for the embarrassment that the misrepresentation must have caused me. I was not expecting any Governor in Nigeria to tender an apology to an “ordinary” citizen. In that rare gesture, Governor Makinde actually deviated from the norms and exemplified humility at its best. His attitude to power is worth emulating and my respect for him has soared since that Ibadan meeting.

All who know Akeredolu will agree that he was not the conventional politician whose main preoccupation is to talk and act in ways that sway the voters and endear them to support him. He not only declined chieftaincy titles but officially adopted the sobriquet “Arakunrin”, the Yoruba equivalent of “Mister”. Even as governor, he refused every opportunity to play to the gallery. An example will suffice. He was at a wedding ceremony on my invitation. At the end of the church service, he pulled me aside and jokingly expressed in Owo dialect his displeasure on the physical condition of the church. Three days later, he called to inform me that he had taken a decision to personally and anonymously complete the construction of the church, and that I should not disclose to the church that he was the benefactor.

When construction materials were deposited in the church, the leadership called me to find out who was the generous donor. I told them the donor said I should not disclose, and they misinterpreted my statement to mean that I must be the one. When I found that the renovation of the church was being arrogated to me, I called Aketi to let him know that I needed to divulge the information to the church. Though he raised a serious objection, I went ahead to let the cat out of the bag! The church members were in utter bewilderment because it came from an angle they never imagined. The church was completely transformed within a few weeks. That is Aketi for you!

It will surprise many to know that in 2019, when the staff of OAU were being kidnapped along the Ife-Ibadan express road, I ran to Aketi in Akure for advice. He listened attentively to me and retorted “Tope, we will find a solution to the problem”. He immediately called the then AIG in charge of Zone II comprising of Ondo, Oyo and Osun States, Adeleye Oyebade (who later

retired as DIG in 2020): “Leye, I want you to please help us look closely into this challenge on Ife-Ibadan road. The VC of OAU is with me now and the university community is worried”. I am aware that DIG Oyebade (rtd.) immediately swung into action and, working assiduously with the then Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Abiodun Ige, they combed the entire landscape and found a solution. The rest, as they say, is history.

At the church service during the burial of his mother, the Bishop in his homily lamented that “life is hard in the country and the poor are getting poorer”. He opined that Nigeria needs a change that will ensure safety and security for all, and called for a government that understands economics. When Akeredolu had the opportunity to speak, the Senior Advocate in him propelled him to query why some of his modest achievements were never mentioned for a balance. In his words, “We have listened to your political sermon. It was wonderful listening to the sermon and I will not contend with you. But I know as politicians we are doing our best. It might not be good enough for everybody. You should also acknowledge those things that we have done. Continue to pray for us that we will do our best”. Such is the man Aketi, genuine and direct, no-holds-barred, no pretence!

Akeredolu has done his best and now leaves the rest for His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa. I had the opportunity of sitting on the same table with Governor Ayedatiwa (then Deputy Governor) for about four hours at the Jacob and Grace Garden, Owo during one of the ceremonies for the burial of Lady Evangelist Akeredolu in November 2022. I had met him before then but never had such close interaction with him. Since that meeting, I have watched him very closely and I admire him for his hardihood, vivacity and zeal. I can say unequivocally that he is committed to the progress of our “Sunshine State” and that he has the experience, temerity and political sagacity to raise the state to higher heights. I wish him well in his new assignment, and pray that the almighty God will guide him to make the right decisions!

Now that Aketi has gone home to rest, we take solace in the fact that he positively touched numerous lives and that his legacies will endure. Until his death, he was the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum. He led the Southwest Governors to establish the Western Nigeria Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun, at a time the ruling party, to which he belonged, was vehemently opposed to its establishment. Akeredolu will forever be remembered as the Lion-heart of Nigerian politics. He was down-to-earth, extra-ordinarily bold and daring, the architect of Amotekun, and a dominant force in Nation-building.

I cannot agree more with Lasisi Olagunju who wrote in his article “Akeredolu, death desires and 2024” in the Sunday Tribune of January 1, 2024 that: “He did so well as a field commander that, at his death last week at age 67, it was as if he had lived for 100 years.” One project that was very dear to the heart of Arakunrin, which he did not have the opportunity to complete, was the upgrading of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo to a university status. He was initially reluctant but once he got convinced, he wanted it done immediately and he supported the project with all available resources. It, however, suffered a lull when he fell sick. The greatest legacy that the State government can bequeath to Arakunrin is to complete the process, which is at the final stages, and name the university after him.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace!”

And all shall say, AMEN!

Newly inaugurated Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has announced his first set of appointments, including Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff.

Shortly after being sworn-in on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Mini Stadium in Lokoja, Ododo nominated Folashade Ayoade Arike as SSG, Kingsley Fanwo as Chief Press Secretary, and Ali Bello as Chief of Staff.

Other appointees include Hilary Ojoma as Deputy Chief of Staff, Jerry Omodara as Security Adviser, and Deedat Salami Ozigi as Special Adviser on Media.

Some nominees were retained from the previous administration like Bello and Fanwo who served ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.

Governor Ododo has sent the list of nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening, urging swift action to enable them assume duties immediately.

The new appointments are the first major decisions taken by the governor as he takes charge in Kogi. Analysts believe he aims to hit the ground running by ensuring key offices are promptly filled at the start of his tenure.

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has reminded socialite Aisha Achimugu of her tax obligation following her lavish 50th birthday party hosted in Granada.

Aisha, who is the widow of late oil and gas tycoon, Sulaiman Achimugu, hosted an opulent weeklong birthday party in the Caribbean Islands where she hosted top Nigerian politicians and celebrities.

A special website launched for the birthday celebrations detailed how guests were treated to an eight-day gala in Calivigny Island and Silversand Grenada, a seven-star luxury resort located in Grand Anse beach.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was said to have attended the posh event, reports Premium Times.

Local and international musicians and entertainers flown in to perform at the party include Kenny G (American saxophonist and composer), Waje, Flavour, Adekunle Gold, Asake and Mr Killa (a Grenada musician).

Mrs Achimugu, who lost her husband to Coronavirus in 2020, was said to have changed clothes at least 30 times, with each dress reported to cost thousands of dollars.

According to the report, Aisha was decked in very expensive diamond jewelry, wore designer shoes and carried Hermes crocodile-leather handbags, each said to cost between $50,000 and $80,000.

Reacting to social media reactions that trailed the event, Aisha said she would give her critics “things to talk about” when she returns to the country.

“I want to congratulate myself for being the most popular person in the entire world, apart from the Gaza and Israeli fight, I guess something that’s most popular on the news globally. I give God the glory, and I thank God for my life. And for those who have genuinely shown concern over the media, I want to assure you that I’m well, I’m in a high spirit

“But I want to assure you all that this girl is moving ahead. I’m having a great time, and I’ll continue to have a great time and have a ball today, tomorrow, and Sunday for those of you who are going to be around. And for those who are genuinely not concerned, I love you all.

“I’ve not been in a media space, but since they’ve made it a duty for me to do that, I promise you’ll see more of my face in the media. So, in a lighter mode, just to let you know, I’m happy and looking forward to today.

“My most exciting moment is my charity ball, ten years of self, and then tomorrow to party and shut Nigeria down again. So I will give them things to talk about for the entire week. Thank you,” she said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Aisha’s party has caught the attention of the FCT Internal Revenue Service.

The tax authority extended their birthday greetings to the socialite while urging her to file her annual tax returns.

“The FCT-Internal Revenue Service extends our warmest birthday wishes to you! May this special day be filled with joy and blessings.

“Remember to fulfill your tax obligations by filing your annual tax returns,” the agency said in a tweet.

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have apprehended a four-man gang masquerading as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials, who terrorized students in Umudike with a toy gun.

The suspects, identified as Onyedikachi Ihechukwumere (25), Onwuka Christopher (26), and Tochukwu Obinna (30), were arrested on Tuesday, January 23, following a tip-off received by the Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia.

Reports allege that the gang, sporting Man O’ War uniforms, stormed Enyioma Christ Lodge in Umudike, brandishing a toy gun and dispossessing students of their phones and a total of N120,000 through forced bank transfers.

Acting swiftly upon receiving the intelligence, a team from CPS Umuahia mobilized to the scene, initiating an investigation that led to the apprehension of the three suspects.

“Exhibits recovered from them include three of the stolen phones, a tricycle used in their operation, and three red-colored jackets bearing the EFCC inscription,” revealed Abia State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement issued on Saturday, January 27.

Further investigation, ASP Maureen disclosed, led to the subsequent arrest of two additional suspects on Wednesday, January 24. These were James Prince Victor (39) and Chidozie Onwuzuruike (40), both residents of Ohuhu Umuahia North.

Victor, claiming to be an EFCC official who allegedly coordinated the students’ lodge attack, was apprehended alongside Onwuzuruike.

“Four more red-colored jackets with EFCC inscription, two EFCC ID cards, another stolen phone, a toy gun, and four EFCC search warrants were recovered from the duo,” the police statement added.

The Abia State Police Command has condemned the activities of the fake EFCC operatives, commending the vigilance of the public and pledging to bring all perpetrators to justice.

The federal government has ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Ogalla is accused of providing security for oil thieves and receiving huge sums in return against the federal government’s touted war against oil thieves.

A statement by the director of press in the ministry of information, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, the minister of state for defence, Muhammed Bello Matawalle, called for  a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth of the claims.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu has zero tolerance for corruption in the public service.

“Though these allegations might be mischievous, the Ministry of Defence is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces. The allegations leveled against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla are serious,” he said.

Speaking on the source of information, he said: “We respect the role of the media in fostering transparency and holding public figures accountable. At the same time, we urge responsible journalism that adheres to the principles of fairness, objectivity and accuracy. Accusations of this nature can have far-reaching consequences on the reputation of individuals and institutions, and thus, it is crucial to avoid premature judgments.”

The minister assured that the Ministry of Defence would collaborate fully with relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

“We remain committed to the principles of due process and fairness, ensuring that findings will be based on concrete evidence and legal standards.

“It is our collective responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the institutions that safeguard our nation’s security.  We call for patience as the investigative process unfolds and trust that justice will be served in accordance with the rule of law,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy has described the allegations as malicious, baseless and false.

The director of information, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan,  said the allegation that the CNS accepted over $170 million in bribes and the alleged involvement in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months are untenable, baseless and untrue.

He was reacting to a publication in an online medium yesterday following the federal government’s order to probe the Naval chief.

He said the service was aware of the coordinated frantic efforts to blackmail the office and person of the CNS by some disgruntled elements who were feeling the heat of the Nigerian Navy’s renewed vigour to fight crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain as well as those who have in one way or the order shortchanged the Navy before now.

He said; “The continuous rejuvenated operations towards curbing oil theft has given the oil thieves sleepless nights hence the decision to engage in the malicious publications.”

He added that there were clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention and release of any vessel or persons found culpable in the maritime environment.

He said it is until these processes are duly concluded that such vessels are released to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further actions.

“Indeed, all arrested vessels mentioned in the publication that were involved in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering are being investigated and none of such vessels has been released as alleged,” he said.

He stated that the CNS does not award or oversee oil bunkering contracts; noting that the award of such is the sole prerogative of NNPCL.

He said all contracts awarded by the Navy follow due process in line with the laws of the federation.

The director said the Nigerian Navy is an offshoot of the constitutional provisions and duly guided by extant laws and regulations of the land.

“The policing roles of the Navy empowers her to monitor the maritime domain of the nation. These among others include arrest of vessels that contravene any of the maritime laws and SPOMO Act 2019,” he added.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Navy recently launched Operation Delta Sanity which provides for a holistic and more robust roadmap towards the reinvigorated stance of the Navy towards the fight against crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities in the nation’s maritime environment.

[Leadership]