The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of 39 suspected oil thieves and the destruction of 18 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region. Additionally, the Army reported seizing 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during a six-day crackdown on oil theft and related crimes across three states. The operation was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies. This was disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma. The statement partly reads, “Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army have arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites in the ongoing crackdown against Crude Oil Theft as well as other associated crimes conducted in the Niger Delta Region. This was from 24th to 30th March 2025. The operations which were conducted across the Joint Operations Area with sister agencies, led to the confiscation of over 60,000 litres of stolen products and other items recovered. “The operations conducted in Rivers State, along Ochokocho Road in Etche Local Government Area, led to the interception of an inbuilt fabricated twin tank stocked with 18,000 litres of stolen products. Additionally, a MAN Diesel container body truck with Reg LXA 44 XA concealed with bags of Sawdust, conveying an unquantified quantity of stolen products, was intercepted. The suspects fled on sighting troops. “Relatedly, along the Imo River, the anti-COT operations progressed with several illegal refining sites, drum pots and receivers taken out, with over 15,000 litres of stolen products recovered. While around Rumuekpe Forest in Ahoada East LGA, two illegal refining sites with over 2,800 litres of stolen products were confiscated. “Other seizures were made around Ebocha, Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. Troops also closed up on oil thieves at Jelikri Creek in Degema LGA, with several illegal refining sites dismantled, drum ovens, receivers, hoses, and metal pipes destroyed.” In Bayelsa State, the 6 Division spokesman said similar operations its troops conducted yielded the desired outcome. “This was evident around Adibawa in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State where two illegal refining sites, containing drums and cooking ovens with over 8,000 litres of stolen crude in drums and sacks. At Okighene in Southern Ijaw LGA, one illegal refining site with over 1,500 litres of crude oil and 300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil was recovered. “In Delta State, the operations are progressing with visible footprints. At Egbokodo Itsekiri Community in Warri South LGA, troops confiscated several jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO and destroyed several cellophane bags used for the criminality. While in Akwa Ibom State, troops have dominated the operations landscape, making it impossible for the criminals to have freedom of action”, the statement added.

A speeding petrol tanker reportedly killed a woman and her child in Delta State, injuring several others and destroying properties worth millions of naira. The tragic incident occurred yesterday evening along Ubeji/Egbokodo Road near Ayiri Junction. The woman was returning from school after picking up her child when the tanker, allegedly experiencing brake failure, veered off the road. The victims were standing by the roadside, waiting to cross, when the tanker rammed into them. Confirming the incident, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, told Waffi TV in a telephone interview that the accident had been reported.

At least 16 travelers from Northern Nigeria were brutally killed in Udune Efandion, Uromi, Edo State, after being accused of being kidnappers. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday when the victims, mostly Hausa hunters, were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations. Sources indicate that around 1:30 PM, members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes intercepted them. An enraged mob then took matters into their own hands. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the killings on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday, sparking widespread outrage over the extrajudicial violence. He said, "The sight of their hunting guns. Dane guns commonly used in the North was misinterpreted as a threat. Instead of contacting the police, or other security agencies, local vigilantes raised a false alarm, which ignited a wave of chaos and violence. "The reaction was swift and brutal. Local youths, incited by the unfounded accusations, viciously attacked the travellers, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives on the spot. In a grotesque act of barbarism, the mob set the truck ablaze, leaving some bodies trapped inside the vehicle. "While some people were taken out on wheelbarrow and thrown inside fire. This gruesome scene only points to the sickening reality of mob justice that has taken root in certain communities." He explained that responsive action from security operatives came too late for the victims. "By the time they arrived on the scene following a distress call, the damage had been done. Four survivors were rescued and rushed to His Grace Hospital in Uromi for urgent medical treatment." He stated that authorities had confirmed the arrest of five suspects. Zagazola also reported that the Hausa community in Uromi convened an emergency peace meeting to address the incident and prevent further reprisals.

A 25-year-old man, Joseph Abodunrin, has taken his own life in the Dagbolu community of Osogbo Local Government Area, Osun State, reportedly due to the rising cost of living, which he allegedly said was affecting his mental health. His death was confirmed on Thursday by a family member, Abodunrin Grace, via her X handle. Describing him as her best brother, she revealed that Joseph concealed his struggles behind a smile, offering encouragement to others while silently battling his pain. She wrote, “I still feel shattered, many words but unprocessed. You were the best brother. You encouraged us all, but you went to voice out in a space we couldn’t think of. You hid it all from us. You went about with fake laughter and smiles. Now we can’t get over it. “He is my cousin (man is just a big brother). None of our laments can bring him back; the tagging is too much! I personally have been too strong. It’s no one’s fault. Please, if there’s one or two, please, please try to heal. It is needed. We’re all striving! It’s not easy for anyone. “A little brief: With the expansion of lifestyle, economy, culture, arts, and all other life-based sectors!! Being sane and mentally stable is the only thing that can keep making all said work!!!Prioritize your Mental wellbeing.” Before his demise, Joseph had repeatedly made tweets revealing that he would have taken his life, but for his siblings, whom he encouraged to live. He took to his account on January 31, 2025, saying, “If not for my siblings, I would not commit suicide. Those younglings are still full of optimism, hope, and dreams that I don’t want to squash with the news of my death. Quoting the same tweet on March 24, the day the 25-year-old ended it all, he in a series of tweets wrote, “I’m sorry I failed you guys, I couldn’t just do it anymore… No matter how I explain it. You won’t understand!!! “I hope y’all find it in you to keep fighting, hopeful, never negotiating your dreams, and to finally and eventually thrive. That is my last wish. In everything, I give glory to God. I ran my race, and I gave it everything I had. Finally passing on the baton. “Nothing much to say again…My passwords are in the first page of my diary. Goodbye!” On March 9, he also queried his decision on not fast-tracking his suicide mission, stressing, “I have asked myself several times why I should fight and keep fighting to stay alive, and I have not gotten any meaningful answer ever since. I really don’t see any reason to continue here.” Then, he further wrote, “But March is a decision month. None of what I am experiencing and feeling is not my fault…(sic) I didn’t create myself, no power over the gene I inherited or the parents I was born through…I have tried to seek help, but absolutely made it worse…I’m practicing self-compassion through this whole process, regardless of whatever decision I make.” Joseph’s body is yet to be recovered as of the time of filing this report despite sharing the location where he committed suicide; however, checks revealed that the location he shared, ‘Dagbolu,’ is no longer active. The deceased celebrated his 25 years birthday on February, 6, 2025.

The Nigerian Navy has stepped up its fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism by uncovering and dismantling three illegal refining sites in Oteghele, a community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State. The operation, conducted on March 24 by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos, was part of Operation Delta Sanity II. Addressing journalists in Warri on Thursday, FOB Escravos Commanding Officer, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, stated that the raid was based on credible intelligence. “The operation led to the seizure of about 2,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). “These were stored in two ovens, 10 dug-out pits, two drums, and 26 polythene sacks,” Okoloagu said. He reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to eliminating illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain, aligning with the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Okoloagu further stated that the operation aimed to combat oil theft and enhance the nation’s crude oil production.

Police operatives in Owheologbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, have arrested a hotel owner, his wife, and a security guard following the mysterious death of a lodger, allegedly linked to ritual killings. Officials of Isoko North Local Government Council sealed the hotel after the arrests. Community sources revealed that the trio was taken into custody over suspected involvement in kidnapping and ritual activities. The victim, Sunday Ogofotha, had traveled from Lagos for a relative’s funeral and lodged at the hotel before his disappearance. Police investigations led to the discovery of incriminating evidence, resulting in the arrest of the hotel owner, Joseph Oghole, the security guard, and his wife. Authorities also recovered a POS machine and valuables belonging to a previously murdered POS operator from the hotel. Angered by the crime, Isoko North Council Chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, ordered the immediate closure of the hotel. Century Hotel, located in Owheologbo, is alleged to have been a hub for kidnapping and other criminal activities. Ogofotha was reportedly killed in his room on Friday night. According to a source, “Century home is a den of kidnappers, ritual and other criminal activities take place there. Last year, a girl, a POS operator opposite the hotel was killed in same circumstances and during the search for the man who lodged in the hotel on Friday that was killed, the POS machine and other valuables belonging to the POS girl were recovered from the hotel. “Even the wife of the security guard in the hotel has confessed how the POS girl was killed by her husband and buried her at the back of the hotel. Century home is a butcher home where innocent people meet their untimely death. “What surprises us was the opening at the back of the hotel with a stream and bushes all over it. Can I shock you? Do you know that the sides and front gate of the hotel are well-fenced, plastered, painted and decorated? “But the back of the hotel where they have bush and a stream is not fenced at all and you can never notice that and that is where all the atrocities take place in the community,” she said. Another community source narrated, “The man is from Owhelogbo community, Isoko North. He came all the way from Lagos on Friday to attend the burial of his late relative the following day which was on Saturday. “But till on Sunday, he was not seen and relatives called his wife and luckily the man had told his wife the hotel he was lodging on arrival to the community on that very Friday. “Based on that information, the family members moved straight to the hotel to make enquiries but they were told by the hotel management that nobody of such came to lodge in their hotel. “After much-heated argument, the family members insisted on checking all the rooms with a bit resistance from the hotel management. As the checking was going on, they got to a particular room and the hotel owner, Chief Joseph Ovie Oghole, insisted that clients lodged in that particular room were making out so they should not be disturbed for whatever reason. Waffi TV gathered that Council Chairman Godwin Ogorugba, along with key government officials and security personnel, visited the crime scene and officially sealed the hotel over alleged kidnapping and criminal activities. Ogorugba reportedly expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, highlighting the growing security concerns in the area. He also explained that the recent curfew imposed in the local government was a necessary measure to ensure public safety. “The police are actively investigating, and we are committed to uncovering the facts and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. For now, I will not be able to disclose all details publicly for security reasons but be rest assured that efforts to preserve safety in Owhelogbo and the entire Isoko North Local Government remain our priority. “This hotel should be completely sealed up and I want to warn individuals who use their structures for illegal activities, including kidnapping, that the wrath of the law shall catch up with you. Recently, I convened a meeting of hotel owners within the council and the management of this hotel failed to attend. “During that meeting, we emphasised the need to maintain a manifest to track customer check-ins and check-outs. Moving forward, we will take decisive action against any property owners who aid criminal activities in our communities,” Ogorugba warned. The recovered remains of Ogofotha have been deposited at an undisclosed morgue in Ozoro.

The Federal Government has begun disbursing the new N77,000 monthly allowance to National Youth Service Corps members, Waffi TV has learned. This follows a pledge by NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, that the revised allowance would take effect from March 2025. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also assured that any outstanding payments of the new allowance would be settled. Reports indicate that several corps members started receiving payment alerts on Wednesday. “Yes, corps members have started receiving their new allowance in line with the newly approved minimum wage,” publisher of Corpers Diary (@corpersdiary_ng) an online community for corps members, Jeremiah Olatinwo, also confirmed. In September 2024, the Federal Government announced a new allowance for NYSC members, commonly known as corpers, sparking excitement among participants in the youth scheme. The government stated that the increase aligned with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. However, despite repeated assurances, the implementation faced multiple delays.

The Delta State Police Command has neutralised five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate. Command spokesman SP Bright Edafe revealed this to journalists in Warri on Wednesday. According to Edafe, the suspects were neutralized on Friday during a gunfight with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT). The encounter took place inside the Uwiamughe forest in Ughelli North Local Government Area. He added that the operation was led by ASP Julius Robinson, following credible intelligence. “Acting on credible information, the police team trailed and arrested the leader of a kidnapping syndicate at DSC roundabout in Warri. “The arrest and interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects at Otovwodo Park in Ughelli,” he said. Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings and armed robberies in Uwiamughe, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and their environs. “Acting on the strength of their confessions, the suspects led the operatives to Uwaimughe Forest, where they hid their weapons. “Upon exit from the forest, some hoodlums suspected to be members of the syndicate engaged the police in a gun duel. “During the gun duel, five of the hoodlums sustained gunshot injuries while others escaped,” he said. The police spokesman stated that the injured suspects were taken to the hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment. Edafe disclosed that recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and three locally made firearms. Additionally, two magazines, 60 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition, and 17 live cartridges were seized. He further noted that three arrested suspects and the recovered weapons were in police custody. Efforts, he added, were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members.

Gunmen ambushed police officers on Monday during a rescue operation after a female real estate agent was kidnapped in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State. This incident occurred just four days after a farmer was abducted in Issele-Azagba. Waffi TV learned on Tuesday that the kidnapped realtor, identified only as Esther, was with three colleagues at the time of the abduction. A community source revealed that Esther and her group had gone to inspect a piece of land near the Nigeria Admiralty University, Ibusa, when the gunmen attacked. “They went for inspection and they were on their way back when they were ambushed. “The gunmen shot at the vehicle and the others escaped while the girl was whisked away,” the source said. According to the source, one of the escapees suffered gunshot wounds and is in critical condition while receiving treatment at a hospital. When reached for comment, the state's Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident. He said, “Yes, it’s confirmed. Some police officers who were going for the rescue of the victim were ambushed and a police officer was shot but nobody was killed.”

The Edo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for Wealth Nnamdi, accused of murdering his pregnant fiancée, Osasu Isaac, and her three-year-old daughter, Miracle, in Benin City. The tragic incident happened on March 16 at Idiangbona Street in Ovbiogoe Community after a heated argument between the couple. Neighbors, accustomed to their frequent quarrels, did not anticipate the dispute would turn deadly. A community source, speaking anonymously, revealed that Nnamdi had lived with Osasu and her daughter from a previous relationship for over three years. Their traditional wedding was set for March 29, followed by a church ceremony on April 6. “It is heartbreaking because she was excited about the wedding. She was already pregnant for him, and they had been living together. But on Sunday, they had a serious argument. We didn’t think much of it because they usually fought,” the source said. She added, “When the argument stopped, we thought they had settled. But after two days, a foul smell started coming from their room. That was when we called the police.” Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for Edo State, Moses Yamu, said officers from the Ekiadolor Division forced the door open after neighbours reported a disturbing odour. “The Edo State Police Command has since commenced an investigation into the gruesome murder of a woman popularly known as ‘Mama Hallelujah’ and her three-year-old daughter, Miracle,” Yamu stated. He added, “On March 18, 2025, at about 8:30 pm, the Ekiadolor Division received a report from a concerned neighbour who complained of a strong odour coming from the deceased’s apartment. “Upon arrival, officers discovered the room locked from the outside. When they forced it open, they found the decomposing bodies of the woman and her daughter. The woman had a deep cut on her head, suspected to have been inflicted with a machete, while the child was found lifeless on the bed.” Yamu noted that preliminary investigations point to Nnamdi as the prime suspect, as he has been missing since the discovery. “The suspect has gone into hiding, and the command is making all efforts to track him down and bring him to justice,” he added.