By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Troops from Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have uncovered and dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing facility in Agwatashi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The discovery was confirmed in a statement on Monday by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer for the JTF OPWS.

While conducting a routine patrol from the Forward Operating Base in Idadu, troops identified a concealed location suspected of housing illegal weapons production. Upon the approach of security forces, several individuals fled the scene.
One suspect, identified as 26-year-old Baba Ogar from Arusu Village in Kokona LGA, was apprehended after attempting to hide in a tree.

Items Recovered are: six (6) locally fabricated pistols; assorted tools and instruments used for weapons manufacturing; The sum of ₦40,500, and One mobile phone.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the facility served as a production hub supplying firearms to criminal networks operating within and beyond the region.
The apprehended suspect is currently in custody. Investigations are ongoing to track down his fleeing accomplices.

The Force Commander of OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and sustained operational efforts that led to the discovery. He urged them to maintain momentum and continue employing intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks across the Joint Operations Area.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well located in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.

The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s ongoing efforts to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were concluded in mid-December 2025, with all activities executed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards. Following the completion of comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was safely secured, bringing the programme to a successful close.

Results from the well are highly encouraging, confirming a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. This outcome represents a notable milestone for the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture,on strengthening confidence in the underlying asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area. The success of Awodi-07 further highlights the effectiveness of disciplined exploration, sound technical evaluation, and the strong operational collaboration between NNPC Ltd and its Joint Venture partner.

Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical competence, and consistent delivery of value.

He stated: “The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves. This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people.”

Also speaking on the milestone, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, described the Awodi-07 results as a clear demonstration of the value of sustained collaboration, technical rigour, and a stable, enabling operating environment.

According to him: “This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation.”

NNPC Limited and Chevron Nigeria Ltd work together under a joint venture agreement to operate several oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. In this partnership, Chevron owns 40 per cent of the assets, while NNPC Limited holds the remaining share. The arrangement allows both companies to combine resources, expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources more effectively.

Through this collaboration, the partners aim to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, which would support government revenue, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s energy supply.

Signed:
Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd
26th January 2026

Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf made the declaration at the Coronation Hall of the Kano Government House.

The declaration was made in the presence of the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator representing Kano South; the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; among other dignitaries.

He noted that his return is firmly anchored on working more closely with the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Those who raised Governor Yusuf’s hand were the immediate former Governor of Kano State and former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin.