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Operatives Apprehend Crude Oil Thieves In Anambra

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The Nigerian Navy (NN) has handed over six crude oil thieves suspects apprehended by officers in the Onitsha Outpost to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command (NSCDC), Anambra State.

While receiving the suspects on Tuesday in Awka, Commandant, Anambra State, NSCDC, Edwin Osuala, reiterated the resolve of security operatives to end the menace of crude oil theft, illegal dealings on petroleum products and oil pipeline vandalism.

Details of these were contained in a press statement issued by the state Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Okadigbo Edwin, on Tuesday.

Biztellers reports that the NSCDC has vowed to stop at nothing to rid the state of vandals, while they promised to thoroughly investigate the suspects for prosecution in court.

The statement read, “On the 03/11/2023, at about 06:00hrs, one Ugwu Donatus ‘m’ aged 57yrs, Chukwudi Eke ‘m’ aged 52yrs and one Nwabueze Daniel ‘m’ aged 30yrs respectively, were arrested along Atani Road, Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State while conveying 70 sack bags of petroleum products, estimated about 3,500 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil in a white Nissan vehicle with registration no: Enugu ENU 391 XX.

“Similarly, on November 7, 2023, at about 13:00hrs, one Chinedu Okafor ‘m’ aged 32yrs, Abu Galaddima ‘m’ aged 42yrs, and Rishamah Abbass ‘m’ aged 29yrs, respectively were arrested within Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA with two white J5 Vans with registration nos: Anambra XA 929 ZBL and Anambra AWK 776 YZ and laden with 100 sack bags of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil estimated to be about 5,000 litres.”

According to Osuala the preliminary investigations carried out suggested that the products loaded at Osssamala Community in Ogbaru LGA were headed to Upper Iweka before their final destination.

He also explained that one Emeka Emeka who is alleged to be the owner of the products is currently at large, while sustained monitoring was in place to arrest him.

He affirmed that the suspects were assisting the command with useful information that will help in arresting their accomplices.

He, however, lauded the Navy for the arrest saying that the synergy between the NSCDC and the Navy had yielded many results in the fight against economic crimes in the country.

He said, “I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for assisting the Corps being the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and the eradication of illegal dealings on petroleum products. With the successful handover of these suspects and the exhibits to us, we would immediately launch a credible investigation.

“We are assuring the Navy and members of the public that proper investigation would be carried out on the suspects and any other culprits involved with the case for possible prosecution.

“The handing over of the suspects and the exhibits to the NSCDC is a sign that security agencies operating in Anambra State are united in crime fighting. This synergy is what is needed to wage a full-scale war against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“I want to advise these economic saboteurs to steer clear of Anambra State because we have activated our operational mechanism in all the nooks and crannies of the state to make this place hot for them to operate. They should either look for legitimate business to engage in or turn a new leaf.”

Meanwhile, he warned all perpetrators of oil theft, illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and other criminal activities to relocate outside the state, as there is no hiding place for them in and around the state.

He advised members of the public to be vigilant and provide the Command with credible information to assist in curbing the activities of criminal elements and economic saboteurs.

Energy

Minister of Power, Adelabu Champions Mini-Grids Amid Northern Power Crisis

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In the wake of a prolonged power crisis impacting Northern Nigeria, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu visited the Zawaciki 1MWp mini-grid project in Kano, underscoring the potential of decentralized renewable energy solutions to alleviate regional power shortages.

The project, operated by Bagaja Renewables, provides daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, offering a vital source of power as the region faces widespread blackouts.

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Sadiq Zakari, Managing Director of Bagaja Renewables, welcomed the Minister to the facility and highlighted the critical timing of the visit.

“Bagaja Renewables had the distinct honor of welcoming the Honorable Minister of Power to the Zawaciki 1MWp interconnected mini-grid,” Zakari said.

“This visit comes at a critical time, as Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged blackout, underscoring the urgent need for alternative power solutions.

The Zawaciki mini-grid has been instrumental during this crisis, providing at least 9 hours of daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy in addressing the region’s energy needs.”

Minister Adelabu praised the Zawaciki project as a model for interconnected mini-grids nationwide, noting its role as a sustainable solution for communities grappling with unreliable power supply.

“The Honorable Minister expressed admiration for the Zawaciki project, recognizing it as a viable proof of concept for interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria,” Zakari stated.

“He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and called on state governors and other key stakeholders to support efforts to decentralize and strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure.

By backing projects like Zawaciki, stakeholders can play an instrumental role in reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring a more stable power supply for local communities.”

Zakari underscored the transformative potential of private-sector renewable energy projects in Nigeria’s power landscape.

He said, “As we have witnessed here at Zawaciki, private-sector-driven renewable energy solutions can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. With the right policies and support, we can empower communities and enhance energy resilience, even in times of national power instability.”

In addition to the Zawaciki project, Bagaja Renewables is developing several renewable energy initiatives across Northern Nigeria. Among these are:

Barhim Estate, Katsina: A residential power initiative aimed at expanding energy access for households in the region.

Kura-Karfi Commercial Cluster, Kano: Focused on delivering clean and reliable power to commercial areas, this project aims to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Kafin Hausa, Jigawa: With site fencing completed, Bagaja Renewables is preparing to begin technical design and engineering work for a mini-grid in Kafin Hausa, slated to start construction soon.

Zakari said, “These projects represent Bagaja Renewables’ unwavering commitment to building a resilient, decentralized, and renewable-powered energy future across Northern Nigeria.

“Bagaja Renewables is dedicated to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to scale up renewable energy solutions that will support communities, industries, and essential services.

“We believe that decentralized power generation is the future for Nigeria, and we are eager to contribute to a sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy system for all.” he added

 

 

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Energy

Power Restored In Four Northern States After 10-Day Blackout

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Power has been restored across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States, bringing relief to residents who endured a 10-day blackout.

The Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that electricity was reinstated around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and other affected areas.

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The prolonged outage was caused by the tripping of a major 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states, leaving several northern states without power.

The blackout severely impacted daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing frustration over the disruption to businesses, healthcare services, and personal livelihoods.

In response, President Bola Tinubu took swift action, summoning Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis.

Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Monday that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies to expedite restoration efforts.

“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of essential power infrastructure,” Onanuga said in a statement.

“The President has tasked TCN engineers with bringing immediate relief to the affected states and implementing a long-term solution to prevent future outages.”

 

 

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Energy

Nigerian Power Supply: FGN Nears PPI Completion

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The Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGN Power Company) has announced significant progress in the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is set to revolutionize the nation’s electricity transmission landscape.

The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to enhance the country’s power infrastructure through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.

READ MORE: ‘Only Savior Created By God For Nigeria’ – Presidency Slams Obasanjo

Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, revealed that the installation and commissioning of eight power transformers across key locations are now complete.

The transformers have been successfully deployed in Ajah, Maryland, Apo, Okene, Ihovbor, Amukpe, Potiskum, and Birnin Kebbi, resulting in a notable increase in the transmission wheeling capacity by 569.6 megawatts (MW).

In addition to the transformers, three mobile substations are operational in Ajah, Jebba, and Kawnar Dangora, further boosting the transmission capacity by an additional 151.2 MW.

Anuwe emphasized that these enhancements are pivotal in addressing the energy needs of the country and supporting economic growth.

Looking ahead, Anuwe stated that the transmission network will be augmented by an impressive 720.8 MW, with plans to commission the remaining equipment to deliver at least another 500 MW by the end of 2024.

This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve power distribution and reliability, marking a transformative step towards a more robust energy sector in Nigeria.

 

 

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