SR SahelReporters

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have renewed their strategic partnership with the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening maritime safety and security across Nigeria’s maritime domain. The agreement was signed on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, in the presence of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Principal Staff Officers and other senior officials of both organisations. The renewed MoU builds on a partnership that dates back to 2007 and has been sustained through successive renewals. It is expected to enhance coordination between the two institutions by aligning their mandates, operational capabilities and expertise to deliver measurable improvements in Nigeria’s maritime safety and security. Speaking at the ceremony, the N...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has completed the coupling and detailed examination of a seized arms shipment at the Tin Can Island Port Command, uncovering 399 fully assembled Jojef firearms and a significant quantity of additional rifle components. The development comes three days after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed on Thursday, August 6, 2026, that Customs officers had intercepted a container carrying crates of knocked-down components suspected to be Jojef pump-action rifles. Following the completion of the  examination and inventory of the shipment on Sunday, August 9, Customs officials recovered 89 frames, 16 heat shields, 10 trigger pins, three pistons, 25 locking lugs, 80 charging handles, 39 pistol-grip screws, 34 springs, 57 trigger groups, 66 foregrip latches, 45 foregrips/handguards, four pistol grips and five barrels. The seizure represents a major intervention by the Service in efforts to curb the...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja.  The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its technology-driven reforms, calling for the adoption of Nigeria’s indigenous customs innovations across Africa. Mene made the remarks on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during a working visit to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, where he described the Service’s digital transformation initiatives as practical African solutions to some of the continent’s longstanding trade and revenue challenges. The AfCFTA Secretary-General noted that several African countries still depend heavily on manual customs processes, which contribute to revenue leakages, border delays and barriers to the growth of intra-African trade. He said Nigeria’s progress in deploying technology for customs administration provides a model that could be replicated across the continent to improve efficiency, transparency...

By Aviashima Toom, abuja The Nigerian Navy says it has intercepted about 17,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, in Rivers State. The operation was carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder under Operation Delta Sentinel, the Navy’s ongoing campaign against crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering. According to a statement by the Director Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Navy Captain,  Abiodun Folorunsho in Abuja said, the product was intercepted along the Onne-Okrika waterways, where personnel stopped a speedboat conveying the suspected illegally refined AGO. The speedboat and the recovered petroleum product have been taken into custody in line with established anti-crude oil theft procedures. The Navy says efforts are also underway to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal operation. It says the latest interception is part of its broader efforts to disrupt the illicit petroleum supply chain, protect critical...

By Aviashima Toom, ABUJA  The Nigerian military has recorded major operational successes across the country, including the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims, arrest of suspected terrorists and logistics suppliers, destruction of terrorist hideouts and illegal refining sites, and recovery of arms and ammunition. The successes were recorded between July 31 and August 6, 2026, as troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified operations against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and other forms of criminality across the country. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday on the military’s operations during the period. In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled an attempted abduction along the Buratai-Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State on July 31. According to the military, troops pursued the fleeing terrorists towards Mangari-Dora and rescued 31 persons, compri...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  ​The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has moved to deepen the Senate’s understanding of its ongoing digital transformation and operational reforms, urging lawmakers to review its legal framework to align Nigeria’s trade laws with rapidly evolving global practices. ​Speaking at a capacity-building retreat organised for the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs on 5 August 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, stated that meaningful legislative oversight depends on lawmakers having a complete understanding of modern customs operations. He explained that the retreat was designed to bridge information gaps, enabling the Senate committee to evaluate the Service’s transformation from an informed perspective and provide the statutory backing needed to sustain its modernisation drive. "While some provisions had worked as intended, others had proved difficult to apply or had been overtaken by the rapidly changing trade...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its security operations with the interception of a container concealing parts of over 140 pump-action rifles and the seizure of cannabis-infused products worth over ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port Command.  Announcing the seizure at Tincan Island Port, Lagos on Thursday, 6 August 2026, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the container, which arrived aboard MV VELIKA on 8 July 2026, was flagged by the Service's intelligence-driven risk management system for enhanced monitoring.  A thorough examination uncovered concealed crates containing knocked-down components preliminarily identified as JoJeff pump-action rifles.  The CGC added that investigations led to the arrest of two suspects, while another principal suspect remains at large and is being actively tracked. In a separate operation, Customs officers intercepted two 40-foot containers co...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining in the Niger Delta, dismantling two illegal refining sites and recovering about 85,300 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil in Rivers State. The operation, carried out under Operation DELTA SENTINEL in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni area of Rivers State, resulted in the discovery and deactivation of two illegal refining sites linked to ongoing crude oil theft activities. According to a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho said personnel uncovered approximately 85,300 litres of suspected stolen crude oil concealed in dugout pits and reservoirs during the operation. The latest development comes only days after security operatives uncovered and deactivated similar illegal refining facilities within the same area, indicating continued efforts by oil thieves to revive illicit operations despite intensified securi...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has attributed the agency's strong revenue performance to sustained institutional reforms and modernisation efforts rather than prevailing economic conditions or currency fluctuations, while calling for stronger legislative backing to sustain the transformation agenda. Adeniyi made the remarks at the opening of a two-day retreat for the Senate Committee on Customs with the theme, "Legislative Oversight in the Context of Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation and Reforms." He said the Service's achievements stem from deliberate reforms designed to improve transparency, efficiency and accountability. According to him, the NCS generated N7.277 trillion in revenue in 2025, surpassing its annual target by 10.24 per cent. Between January and May 2026, the Service also recorded N3.35 trillion in revenue. He cautioned against attributing the revenue increase sole...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the private sector to enhance logistics support, improve fleet sustainment and boost operational efficiency. The COAS made the commitment on Tuesday while receiving the executive management of Elizade Nigeria Limited during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, Lieutenant General Shaibu described a reliable and mission-ready vehicle fleet as critical to sustaining combat effectiveness, facilitating rapid troop deployment and enhancing the Army's capacity to respond to emerging security challenges across the country. He said strategic collaboration with the private sector remains a key force multiplier in strengthening the Army's capabilities in fleet management, equipment maintenance, technical s...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for deeper collaboration between the Nigerian Army and indigenous defence manufacturers to strengthen national security, accelerate military modernisation and enhance Nigeria's defence industrial capacity. The COAS made the call on Tuesday while receiving the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated Proforce Group on its remarkable growth and international recognition since its establishment in 2008, describing the company as "an institution that elicits national pride" and a reflection of Nigeria's growing defence manufacturing capability. He stressed that increased patronage of indigenous defence companies would not only improve the Nigerian Army's operational effectiveness but also drive local innovation, create ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja Troops of Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have intercepted suspected arms traffickers and recovered a cache of illegal weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Kaduna State. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday, July 13, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that a consignment of illicit weapons was being transported from Jos, Plateau State, to Niger State. According to the Nigerian Army, troops mounted a targeted stop-and-search operation at the Samaru Checkpoint in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where they intercepted an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz suspected to be conveying the weapons. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and four submachine guns (SMGs), which were carefully concealed inside the vehicle. During the operation, one of the suspects reportedly attempted to flee arrest and was shot while trying to escape. The suspect was immediately evacuated to ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the names of 3,852 successful candidates for its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, while unveiling plans to commence annual recruitment to ensure a more predictable and efficient manpower development process. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Service Headquarters in Abuja during the release of the final recruitment list. He said the Service had adopted a yearly recruitment cycle, ending the practice of conducting recruitment exercises at irregular intervals. "The Nigeria Customs Service is moving to an annual recruitment cycle. Recruitment will no longer be an occasional event undertaken every several years. It will be a standing, predictable, yearly process," Adeniyi said. According to him, the 2026 recruitment exercise will commence later this year and will be completed within the same calendar year—from advertisement to the publication of the f...

*As CP Nwogoh Decorates Five Police Aviators Who Earned Accelerated Promotion By Our Reporter The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has honoured 14 police officers for acts of exceptional bravery and gallantry during anti-banditry operations, while five police aviators received accelerated promotions in recognition of their professional qualifications and outstanding service. The honours were presented at the decoration of newly promoted officers and the presentation of letters of commendation to personnel of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, where the Commissioner of Police, Police Air Wing, Martin Nwogoh, said the recognition reflected the Force's commitment to rewarding courage, professionalism and operational excellence. Nwogoh disclosed that some of the honoured officers successfully completed critical missions despite sustaining gunshot wounds during operations. "Our personnel displayed extraordinary courage under hostile fire. Even after sustainin...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered what it describes as a chilling conspiracy behind the murder of Emmanuel Nwanneniya, a former Chairman and land agent of Ikem Nando Community in Anambra State, alleging that the victim was injected with a restricted veterinary sedative before he was killed. The breakthrough followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which led operatives of the Force Intelligence Department's Special Tactical Squad (STS) to arrest five suspects allegedly linked to the crime. Police investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly procured and used S.P.L. Ketamine Hydrochloride 500mg/10ml, a restricted veterinary sedative, in carrying out the murder. Detectives also said evidence uncovered during the investigation points to a wider conspiracy rooted in a lingering dispute over the proceeds from the sale of community land in Ikem Nando. According to investigators, the crisis began ...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigerian Navy has intensified its crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, recovering about 61,000 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantling three illegal refining sites in Rivers State. The operation, conducted under Operation DELTA SENTINEL by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER, targeted the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni area of the state, where criminal networks were attempting to reactivate illegal refining operations. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation led to the discovery and deactivation of three newly established illegal refining sites linked to crude oil theft. The Navy said operatives recovered approximately 43,000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil and 18,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The products were concealed in 12 dugout pits and reservoirs, bringi...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja With the inauguration of the Interim Executive Committee led by Joycelyn Ellakeche Ada, members have expressed renewed hope for a more inclusive, transparent and vibrant association. The call now is for all stakeholders, including the outgoing leadership, to embrace reconciliation, support a peaceful transition and work together to build a stronger EMCAN where unity, professionalism, institutional development and members' welfare remain the highest priorities. The recent leadership developments within the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) present not only a period of challenge but also a unique opportunity for renewal, reconciliation and institutional growth. The events that followed the Emergency Congress held in Abuja on July 31, 2026, have generated differing opinions among members over governance, procedure and the future direction of the association. Beyond these differing views, however, lies a common aspira...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The Nigerian Navy has sustained its offensive against crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, disrupting a concealed fuel storage facility and recovering approximately 87,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in the Okarki area of Rivers State. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, in Abuja. According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence, which led personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH to conduct an anti-crude oil theft operation in the area. The operation resulted in the discovery of a hidden storage facility used for the illegal stockpiling of petroleum products. The statement noted that the facility contained approximately 87,000 litres of product suspected to be illegally refined AGO, as well as equipment associated with the unlawful storage and handl...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of four additional Nigerian Army divisions as part of efforts to strengthen the military's operational capacity and improve responses to the country's security challenges. Following the presidential approval, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, announced the appointment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) to lead the newly created formations. The new divisions—5 Division Makurdi, 9 Division Ilorin, 10 Division Jalingo and 83 Division Benin City—are expected to expand the Nigerian Army's operational footprint, improve command and control, and enhance force projection across the country. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the divisions will commence operations upon attaining Initial Operational Capability (IOC), with measures already in place to achieve Full Operation...

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the party will deploy its vast political structure and human resources to secure victory in the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. Speaking at the inauguration of the APC National Campaign Council for the Osun governorship election, Yilwatda described the election as a crucial test of the party's preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the APC remains Nigeria's most resourceful political party, boasting an unrivalled pool of experienced politicians, including serving and former governors, National Assembly members, local government chairmen, councillors, and defectors from other political parties. "If there is any political party in Nigeria that has human resources in abundance, it is the APC. We have the experience, the structure and the capacity to win elections at every level," h...