₦4bn Monthly to Tompolo: Smart Security Strategy or Dangerous Precedent? A claim has sparked intense debate after a man alleged that the Federal Government pays ex-militant leader Tompolo ₦4 billion every month to protect oil pipelines in the Niger Delta. The revelation has left many Nigerians questioning why a government responsible for national security would outsource such a critical task to a former militant. Supporters argue it is a pragmatic move that leverages local influence to curb oil theft and vandalism. Critics, however, see it as a troubling signal—one that weakens state authority and normalizes privatized security for national assets. So the big question remains: Is this strategic thinking or sheer recklessness? #NigeriaPolitics #NigerDelta #OilSecurity #PublicDebate

Peter Obi Calls for Probe as US Seizes Nigerian Supertanker Over Alleged Oil Theft Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged Nigerian authorities to launch a thorough investigation after United States officials seized a Nigerian-owned supertanker over alleged crude oil theft and illicit activities. Describing the incident as a wake-up call, Obi warned that large-scale oil theft could only be carried out by powerful networks, not ordinary citizens, and stressed the need for stronger institutions, accountability, maritime security reforms, and transparent tracking of Nigeria’s oil resources to restore the nation’s economy and global image. #PeterObi #OilTheft

The United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, has intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and other transnational crimes. Authorities said the tanker was illegally flying the Guyanese flag at the time of the arrest. In response, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that Skipper is not on its national ship registry and that the vessel was using the flag without authorization.

BREAKING: The United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, has intercepted a Nigerian-owned supertanker, Skipper, over allegations of crude oil theft, piracy, and other transnational crimes. Authorities said the tanker was illegally flying the Guyanese flag at the time of the arrest. In response, Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that Skipper is not on its national ship registry and that the vessel was using the flag without authorization.

Twenty-One Economic Miracles Currently Happening Under President Tinubu One: Our foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark for the first time in six years. It is now the fourth-highest on the African continent. Two: The prudent management of our foreign reserves under President Tinubu has led to a 3.93% GDP growth in the immediate past quarter and 4.23% growth in the quarter before that (Q2, 2025). Three: Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has, within two years, moved from being Africa's biggest petrol importer to becoming West Africa's largest exporter of the same product. Four: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million barrels per day. Five: President Tinubu gave Nigerian airlines direct flights to London's Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, London's Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, São Paulo, Brazil, Bogotá, Colombia, Entebbe, Uganda, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Algiers, Algeria, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. Six: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 barrels per day, a sixteen-year low. Seven: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history. Eight: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rose above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever. Nine: Our economy expanded by $67 billion in just two years, moving Nigeria's GDP from a ₦269.29 trillion economy on May 29, 2023, when Asiwaju became President, to ₦372.8 trillion today. Ten: Between January and August 2025, non-oil tax revenue was ₦20.59 trillion, a 40.5% increase from the ₦14.6 trillion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024. Eleven: MTN Nigeria Limited hit a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so. Twelve: Food prices have fallen significantly, resulting in a drop in inflation to 16.05% at present, down from 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% decline from July's 21.88%. Thirteen: Dangote and other retailers have crashed fuel prices below ₦1000. Fourteen: The Naira has stabilised and is now below ₦1500 to $, making it among the world's best-performing currencies, according to Fitch Ratings. Fifteen: Nigeria broke its power generation record with a peak generation of 5,801.84MW and maximum daily energyoutput of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the history of the electricity industry in Nigeria. Sixteen: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat its 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1. Seventeen: In a sign of an improving economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria reduced interest rates by 50 basis points to 27%, the first time since the #COVID19 pandemic. Eighteen: Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria's economy to a Stable B. Nineteen: Two PhDs in economics, in the persons of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and incumbent Governor of Anambra, Dr Chukwuma Soludo, both confirmed that President Tinubu has "stabilised the economy". Twenty: Rail transport expanded in Nigeria by 43.08% in Q2 2025. Twenty-one: Road transport expanded by 24.50% in Q2 2025, driven by the ₦13 trillion 1,068-kilometre Illela-Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and the ₦15 trillion 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, currently under construction. Bonus: Student loans were awarded to an unprecedented 500,000 students, with hundreds of thousands more awaiting their loans. Effective rebranding projects a positive image of what is happening. It is the best way to neutralise enemies of the nation who want to overwhelm the airwaves with negative information. If you are a patriot who loves Nigeria and wants your country to progress, please spread this truthful message. Reno Omokri

Tantita Security Sacks Ondo CSO Owoyele Joseph Over Alleged Misconduct as Allegations Mount Against State Coordinator Asonja Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has dismissed its Ondo State Chief Security Officer, Owoyele Omotuyi Joseph, following an internal investigation that found alleged breaches of operational ethics, including purported involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities. According to Tantita’s statement, WhatsApp chats, payment receipts, and other documents linked Owoyele to alleged negotiations with individuals engaging in oil theft—actions that contradict the firm’s mandate to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. The company did not address growing allegations against its Ondo State Coordinator, Idowu Asonja, who has been accused by community youths of assault, arson, salary diversion, and abuse of office. Residents alleged that Asonja led armed men to burn a high chief’s residence, assaulted his own aide (Owoyele), and disrespected traditional authorities. Workers and community members recently protested, claiming two years of unpaid salaries and demanding a probe into Asonja. Despite the controversy, Tantita maintained that Owoyele is no longer authorized to act on its behalf and warned the public against dealing with him. The firm reiterated its commitment to professionalism and safeguarding national assets.

₦17.9tr Not for Pipeline Surveillance Pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta has proven to be a workable and implementable strategy for reducing oil theft and vandalism. It has also helped to ensure better inclusion of local communities, contributing to stability and predictability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector within the region. — Nse Victor Udoh, Convener, Niger Delta Progressives Alliance

NIGERIAN ARMY SHATTERS TERROR NETWORKS: 8 NEUTRALIZED, 51 ARRESTED, 27 RESCUED, ARSENAL RECOVERED In a decisive nationwide offensive, the Nigerian Army delivered major blows to criminal networks between 29 November and 1 December 2025, neutralizing eight terrorists, arresting 51 suspects, rescuing 27 victims and seizing a substantial cache of weapons and illicit items across several operations. In the North East, troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, 152 Task Force Battalion and 192 Battalion in Borno State neutralized four ISWAP/JAS terrorists in ambush and clearance operations, recovering three AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines containing 70 rounds of 7.62mm, 31 rounds of 12.7mm, 171 rounds of 7.62x54mm linked, 183 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO, an AK-47 working part and a Baofeng radio. Troops also rescued no victims in these operations but responded effectively to infiltration attempts around Chibok. In Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi and Kaduna States, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE and Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued 3 victims in Panyam, 1 in Zaki-Biam, 6 adult females and 1 minor (7 total) in Tsanyawa/Kankia, 4 victims in Yagba West, 1 victim in Odo Eri, 2 victims in Sanga LGA and 2 adult females in Isoko North, bringing the total rescued in the North Central and North West theatres to 20 victims. In these operations, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers in Panyam, 4 human traffickers in Sardauna, 3 extremist collaborators in Ukum, 13 illegal miners in Lau, 2 cultists in Delta and 1 gunrunner in Plateau. Combined with 25 drug suspects arrested in Bayelsa and Rivers, troops arrested a total of 51 suspects across the regions. In Taraba, troops also neutralized 4 violent extremists and recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, three Dane guns, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles during a communal-clash response in Karim Lamido. Troops in Delta State recovered one locally made pistol, two cartridges and five mobile phones while arresting two suspected cultists. Security forces further recovered 76 rustled cattle in Plateau State and handed them back to their rightful owners. In the South-South, anti-oil theft operations led to the shutdown of an illegal refining site with about 1,000 litres of stolen crude, while joint raids with NDLEA led to the arrest of 25 drug-related suspects. Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, troops intercepted vehicles transporting 5,000kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000m of cordtex fuse, 10 electric detonators and 1,000m of connecting wire, prompting ongoing investigations involving other security agencies. Additionally, troops arrested notorious gunrunner Shuaibu Isah (aka Alhaji) who was attempting to receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition from accomplices still being trailed. His arrest marked one of the most significant breakthroughs of the period. The Nigerian Army reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians and ensuring that terrorists, criminals and their collaborators have no safe haven.

Wizkid to headline CANEX 2025 mega concert in Algeria. on Friday, September 5, in Algeria, according to statements posted on September 2 from the event organisers. The CANEX Mega Concert is part of the broader CANEX 2025 exhibition, which showcases African national defence and security industries alongside cultural performances, blending innovation with artistic talent. The festival will feature leading artists from Algeria, South Africa, Congo, Kenya, and other African nations, making it a major pan-African musical event. CANEX officials have described Wizkid’s participation as a key highlight of the festival, emphasising his role in attracting international audiences, “Renowned for his infectious Afrobeat rhythms, chart-topping hits, and magnetic stage presence, Wizkid has become one of Africa’s most celebrated music icons.” STH (213) Reviews Naira Remittances From Diaspora, Call To Investigate Crude Oil Theft, Other “At CANEX, his music will bring unmatched energy, signature Afrobeat grooves, and a celebration of African culture that promises to unite audiences and create unforgettable live moments.” Speculation on social media and fan accounts suggests that Wizkid may receive up to ₦6.4 billion ($4.2 million) for the performance, though this figure has not been officially confirmed by CANEX or festival organisers. Various online posts have amplified the claim.

Troops Burn Seized Vessels Over Weak Prosecution — CDS Musa Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, says the military destroys vessels used for oil theft because the country’s slow and weak legal system allows offenders to return to crime with little consequence. Speaking on Politics Today, Musa lamented that soldiers risk their lives to arrest suspects, only for them to be freed on technicalities or fined lightly. He cited Niger Delta cases where seized vessels were returned to operators, forcing troops to burn them despite environmental concerns. He stressed that the flawed legal process frustrates counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations, urging the establishment of special courts and tougher penalties to deter impunity. #NigeriaSecurity #OilTheft #JusticeSystem

Troops kill 5 most wanted terrorist commanders DHQ. Arrest 570 terrorists, rescue 134 kidnapped victims in July …Deny oil theft of over N1.3 billion in Niger Delta The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said at the weekend that troops fighting to rid the country of terrorists and other criminal elements terrorising different parts of the country have successfully neutralised 5 wanted and notorious terrorist Commanders in North West an North East, including Amir Dunkei, Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu, Ali Yar Daribiyar, and Yello Dambokolo. Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), said some other notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the troops’ watch list were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation. “They include; Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna Abdullahi Ali Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (aka Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama and Isah Abdullahi as well as Abdullahi Mohammed. “Among the notorious terrorists eliminated were despicable, notorious cultists Prince Justin Ishimiri and an extremist kingpin Liamdoo Douglas Adekpe (aka Bajor),” he said. This is just as the DMO said that within the month of July 2025, troops in various theatres killed large numbers of terrorists, arrested 578 suspected terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements. Major Gen Kangye said troops rescued about 134 kidnapped victims, while a terrorists’ commander Ibn Ali and 151 terrorists as well as their family members surrendered to troops. “Additionally, some notorious gunrunners and kidnappers on the troops’ watch list were arrested and taking into custody for interrogation,” he said. They include “Yakubu Jubril, Abubakar Yahaya, Isiya Sani, Haruna AbdullahiAli Abba, Mallam Aminu Idris, Mohammed Hamisu (aka Mamiyo or Officer Mohammed), Shuaibu Bulama and Isah Abdullahi as well as Abdullahi Mohammed.

"In a major crackdown on oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the Nigerian Army has arrested 43 suspects and uncovered 27 illegal bunkering sites in the Niger Delta region. Between May 26 and June 8, 2025, troops recovered over 161,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in coordinated raids across four states. This operation highlights the Army's commitment to tackling oil theft and protecting Nigeria's resources 💦 #NigerDelta #OilTheft #PipelineVandalism #NigerianArmy #EnergySecurity #NationalSecurity"

Local Firms Drive Growth in Nigeria’s Oil Sector Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is witnessing a transformation as local companies take the lead in driving growth and innovation. Following divestments by global oil majors, indigenous firms are expanding operations and investing heavily in previously underutilized assets. Notably, Green Energy Limited launched Nigeria’s first locally developed onshore crude terminal, Otakikpo, capable of handling 360,000 barrels per day, potentially unlocking over 40 stranded fields. Conoil Producing Limited has also initiated shipments of a new crude oil blend, while subsidiaries like Oando Trading are actively marketing new supplies. Renaissance Africa Energy plans a $15 billion investment to boost crude and gas production, while Seplat Energy is reopening 400 dormant wells with a $320 million investment to ramp up output. These initiatives are crucial for achieving the government’s goal of increasing oil production by an additional 1 million barrels per day. However, these local firms face significant challenges including security threats, community conflict, oil theft, and ageing infrastructure. Despite this, local producers now contribute over 50% of Nigeria’s oil production, up from 40%, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s energy industry.

🎯 No Civilians, Just Criminals: NAF Takes Out 49 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta — According to The Sun In a powerful show of force and precision, the 115 Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), has taken down 49 illegal refineries, cooking tanks, and over 20 massive crude oil reservoirs used by oil thieves across the Niger Delta in the past five months. Speaking during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Group Captain Abdulafeez Opaleye stated that the air strikes are strictly targeted at criminal operations, not civilians. “Our strikes are designed to be as accurate as possible. So far, there have been no civilian casualties, and we remain extremely cautious in that regard,” he emphasized. According to The Sun, the Air Force’s precision strikes, carried out using attack helicopters, also destroyed 16 large boats used for crude oil theft and smuggling. The operations involved 172 sorties and logged over 268 hours of flight time, consuming 87,938 liters of Jet A1 fuel. A major highlight was the March 27 air raid on Egbema Ohaji, which dismantled a critical illegal refining hub. Opaleye credited the success to coordinated Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), including UAVs and aircraft from the NAF Headquarters. The Commander further detailed how oil thieves have adapted by relocating operations up to 15 kilometers into forested mangroves—yet the Air Force has remained one step ahead, detecting and striking these remote sites with surgical precision. Beyond air missions, the 115 SOG has deployed ground troops for joint internal security operations, strengthening law enforcement in volatile regions. Acknowledging the strategic impact, Opaleye linked the rise in Nigeria’s oil production—from 1.2 million to 1.85 million barrels per day—to these air operations, especially in areas inaccessible to ground forces. Backed by top-tier air assets like EC-135, T-129 ATAK, and Mi-35 gunships, the unit remains a formidable aerial force known as the “home of combat helicopters.” Commendations also poured in from Navy Commander Goddy Egbunu and Defence Media Operations, praising the team’s leadership and impact on national security. ⸻ #NAFOperations #CrudeOilTheft #DeltaSafe #NigerianAirForce #OilRefineryBust #NAFAirStrikes