Nigerian Navy Arrests 14 Suspected Oil Thieves, Others In Akwa Ibom.

The Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, conducted a review of its anti-crime operations in the first quarter of 2024. The Commanding Officer of the base, Capt. Uche Aneke, noted in a report made available to journalists that a total of 14 suspects were apprehended for various crimes during this period. PlayUnmute Fullscreen According to him, the suspects were arrested for offences such as smuggling, oil theft, cultism, economic sabotage, sea robbery, and other criminal activities within the joint operations area (JOA). Aneke emphasized the Navy’s unwavering stance against maritime crimes and economic sabotage in Nigeria’s waterways. The suspects have been transferred to relevant security agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Aneke mentioned that the arrests and confiscations during this timeframe are not merely individual triumphs but rather accomplishments achieved through operational implementation and tactical execution, ensuring that the overall security situation in the operational area has been relatively calm. The Commander stated that the Base has successfully minimized criminal activities over the years through extensive operations in collaboration with security stakeholders within the joint operations area. He also revealed that Operation Delta Sanity, which includes FOB, Ibaka, has been strengthened by the dedication of FOB, Ibaka and other bases participating in the operations. Additionally, he shared that the base has hired 35 civilian employees who receive compensation and three meals daily to demonstrate their dedication to intelligence tasks for the base and foster a positive relationship with the local communities. He praised the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for his role in providing the Nigerian Navy with the resources and moral support required to safeguard the waterways. Naija News understands that the FOB Ibaka is responsible for monitoring Nigeria’s Eastern flanks, which include sea approaches from Calabar to the new international maritime boundaries with the Republic of Cameroon. This area also encompasses land territories in Mbo, Udung Uko, and Oron LGAs of Akwa Ibom.

Heavily pregnant Amal throws George Clooney a surprise birthday party

Amal threw a surprise birthday party for her husband George Clooney who turned 56 over the weekend. The expectant mother, in spite of being really heavy and close to her due date, organised the party such that there was plenty of fanfare at their London home on Saturday.

The couple's good friends Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber were there for the celebrations, having flown in earlier to help Amal put together the preparations for the event. 

George, who was completely unaware of the surprise, received a bit of shock as he was greeted by Rande Gerber atop his lawnmower while Cindy Crawford trimmed fresh flowers in a nearby garden.  

Amal also had a cake made for her husband replicating the Casamigos Tequila bar from their houses in Mexico. Casamigos Tequila happens to be George's company with his business partner, Gerber, so it was befitting that the cake should be used for their birthday celebration. On the cake was a miniature sugar craft of George and Gerber and "Happy Birthday Amigos" written on it

Gerber shared a photo from the party on his Instagram account with the caption:

"Celebrating our Birthdays@casamigos style. Thanks for the cool cake Amal. #houseoffriends."

In Australia Man lucky to escape croc clutches

The waters surrounding Lizard Island are a known hotspot for crocs with signs in the area cautioning swimmers of the threat.

A man who accidently snorkeled headfirst into a crocodile in northern Australia escaped with minor injuries as wildlife officers Monday worked to track down the reptile.

The croc, measuring up to two metres (6.5 feet), "reacted defensively" when the swimmer "inadvertently" swum into it on Sunday near popular Lizard Island in Queensland state.

"The man suffered minor cuts and abrasions to his head and was treated for his non-life threatening injuries on the island," a department of environment spokesperson said.

"Wildlife officers are travelling to the area and will search the area for the crocodile responsible."

The waters surrounding Lizard Island are a known hotspot for crocs with signs in the area cautioning swimmers of the threat.

In a separate incident Sunday, a crocodile was found decapitated near Innisfail in Queensland, prompting authorities to warn it was illegal to kill the reptiles.

"Based on an initial inspection, the four metre animal appears to have been deceased for some time," the department spokesperson said.

"(The Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection) would like to remind the public that it is illegal to deliberately interfere with, harm or kill crocodiles without authorisation."

Last month a fisherman was killed by a crocodile near Innisfail while a teenager was lucky to escape with only two broken bones when a croc latched onto his arm after he jumped into a river in the area.

Repeated attacks have lead to calls from some parts of the community for a cull of the animals, but the state government has so far resisted, saying it would have little effect on the animals' behaviour and give people a false sense of security.

People can be fined up to Aus$27,425 (US$20,700) for killing a crocodile, which are protected.