SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abu ja  The Nigerian Navy has pledged to strengthen its support for crude oil-producing companies in a bid to enhance the protection of critical petroleum assets and boost Nigeria’s crude oil production output. The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made the commitment when he received a delegation of the Security Sub-Committee of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its Chairman, Mr Johnson Ogbum, at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja. According to a press statement issued on Thursday by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the engagement focused on strengthening security around oil production facilities, remote assets and export terminals. The statement said discussions centred on addressing crude oil theft, third-party interference and threats to offshore and near-shore petroleum infrastructure. The OPTS delegation also sought enhanced naval p...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has unveiled 30 family accommodation units at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna, as part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to improve the welfare and living conditions of its personnel and their families. According to a statement issued on Thursday, 24 September 2026, by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the newly completed accommodation comprises two blocks of family housing units designed to ease accommodation challenges within the cantonment and provide a conducive living environment for personnel. The statement said the project formed part of the Nigerian Army’s broader infrastructure development and renewal programme aimed at rehabilitating ageing facilities and providing additional infrastructure across formations and units nationwide. Speaking at the unveiling, Lieutenant General Shaibu said the provision of decent accommodation remained an ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja   The remains of the late former Chief of Account and Budget (Army), Major General Ezra Jakko (Rtd), were on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, amid solemn tributes from family members, colleagues, friends and senior military officers. The funeral ceremony, which attracted serving and retired senior military officers and other dignitaries, provided an opportunity to honour the deceased officer’s contributions to the Nigerian Army and his service to the nation. Delivering the funeral oration on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Account and Budget (Army), Major General Taofik Temitope Sidick, described the late General Jakko as a highly professional soldier whose career was marked by dedication, discipline and an unwavering commitment to duty. He said the deceased was not only distinguished by his professional achievements but was also a man of ad...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged the support of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the successful hosting of the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), scheduled to take place in November 2026, while highlighting the impact of strategic communication towards the success of key reforms being implemented by the Service. CGC Adeniyi made this commitment on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, when a delegation led by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Professor Justin Green, alongside the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Chairman of Council, Ike Neliaku, visited him at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja, ahead of the global event. The CGC used the engagement to speak on some of the major reforms undertaken by the Service, including B’Odogwu, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and Advance...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting critical energy infrastructure and strengthening partnerships aimed at supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and national development. Shaibu made the commitment on Wednesday when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Mr. Tony Attah, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja. The Army Chief described energy security as a key component of national security, stressing that the protection of strategic energy assets was essential to sustaining industrial productivity, economic stability and national development. He assured the delegation of the Army’s continued support in securing critical national infrastructure and creating a safe environment for legitimate economic activities to thrive. Shaibu also emphasised the importance of sustained engagement betw...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigerian Navy has discovered approximately 182,000 litres of substance suspected to be stolen crude oil in Bethel Creeks, Rivers State. The discovery was made on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny during a follow-up operation based on actionable intelligence on suspicious activities in the area. The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday. According to him, the operatives uncovered eight dugout pits during the operation, five of which contained the suspected stolen crude oil, while the remaining three were empty. The operation also led to the discovery of hoses believed to have been used to move crude oil. The Navy said the items were handled in accordance with established procedures. The latest discovery comes less than two weeks after FOB Bonny uncovered approximately 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at four newly activated il...