News
Government seizes seven tonnes of cocaine from underground containers
Spanish authorities said on Monday they had seized seven tonnes of cocaine stashed in sea freight containers installed underneath a farm, arresting three suspected smugglers.
The Civil Guard police said they launched the operation on Friday when they detected two suspicious speedboats at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River.
The boats were tracked to a rural estate in the municipality of Coria del Rio, south of the city of Seville, where the suspects stored the drugs in two containers hidden underground.
The Civil Guard said it was the largest seizure of cocaine smuggled into southern Spain by speedboat.
They impounded three weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle, and two stolen vehicles.
Spain is one of the main gateways to Europe for international drug traffickers due to its proximity to Morocco, a top cannabis producer, and close ties with former colonies in Latin America.
Separately, Portuguese authorities seized nearly 3.5 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas in a cargo ship arriving from Latin America, police said Monday.
The operation, carried out with Britain’s National Crime Agency, discovered the stash at the port of Setubal, just south of Lisbon, police investigations coordinator Vitor Ananias told local media.
“Given the large number of pallets carrying bananas being transported by the boat, finding the drugs was possible only thanks to long and meticulous work by investigators,” police said in a statement.
No arrests were made but the investigation is continuing, it said.
Family Lawyer anchored by a seasoned lawyer, Barrister Chinye Chuma debuts on Saturday on Podcast.
Watch an introductory video clip below:
(By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, paid a visit to former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Obi confirmed the visit, which followed his earlier meeting with Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.
The discussions with IBB reportedly centered on national issues, with Obi also taking the opportunity to wish the elder statesman a happy new year.
Describing Babangida as a “father figure” and “wise man,” Obi expressed his admiration for the former leader’s insights and guidance.
He wrote:
“From Jigawa State, I traveled to Minna, Niger State to pay a visit to a father figure, elder statesman, and leader, the former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his residence in Minna. The visit was an opportunity to wish him a happy New Year and to exchange thoughts on national issues.
“General Babangida’s wisdom and perspectives remain very important, and I always deeply appreciate the chance to visit him and listen to his invaluable advice and words of wisdom.
“A new Nigeria is POssible!”
News
After Obasanjo’s outburst NNPCL invites him to PH Refinery, Speaks on ‘Halting Crude Oil Supply to Dangote
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery and assess its operational status firsthand.
Naijablitznews reports this is coming barely hours after the former president’s on the reactivated refineries.
Obasanjo had granted interview on Channels Television, in which he cited advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) raising concerns about the refinery’s potential inefficiency.
SPDC, which had been approached for equity participation in the refinery, reportedly attributed these concerns to corruption impacting operations.
Obasanjo also accused NNPCL of misleading the public regarding the refinery’s performance.
In response, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and invited Obasanjo to see the progress made since the refinery’s rehabilitation.
Soneye highlighted that the rehabilitation efforts involved more than just maintenance, but a complete overhaul to meet international standards, with similar projects underway at the Warri, old Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries.
Soneye also noted that NNPCL’s transition from a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability has refocused the company on profitability, aiming to position it as a competitive global energy player. He reassured Nigerians of NNPCL’s dedication to sustaining operations that meet global standards and contribute to the nation’s energy security.
Addressing Obasanjo’s comments, Soneye acknowledged the former president’s role in national discussions and reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to a brighter future. Regarding rumors about NNPCL cutting crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery, Soneye dismissed the reports as false, indicating there was no need to respond to such claims.
Family Lawyer Podcast debuts on Saturday
Photos) Obi Visits IBB, Reveals Their Discussion
After Obasanjo’s outburst NNPCL invites him to PH Refinery, Speaks on ‘Halting Crude Oil Supply to Dangote
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