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FCT COMMANDANT, NSCDC, VISITS BRIGADE OF GUARDS, CALLS FOR PROGRESSIVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION.
FCT COMMANDANT, NSCDC, VISITS BRIGADE OF GUARDS, CALLS FOR PROGRESSIVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION.
By: Michael Mike
The FCT Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu enliven esprit de corps today as he paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Guards Brigade Commander, Col. Olusola Adebisi Onasanya, ”the Chief Scorpion” at the Headquarters Guards Brigade, Abuja.
The Commandant, in appreciating the existing strong synergy between the Civil Defence and the Nigeria Army on one hand, noted that, while there is an increasing friendship and good bonding between senior officers in the military and other paramilitary agencies, same should be encouraged among the junior cadres in a progressive fashion till a full synergy is attained.
He condemned the rivalry occasionally experienced among security agencies and encouraged more collaboration for effective security coverage of the country.
“If we at our levels can enjoy so much cooperation and synergy, there’s a need to pass the same information to the lower rungs of the ladder too.
“My visit to you is more or less to fulfill customs and traditions. As far as I am concerned, we already have a good working relationship and I am enjoying maximum cooperation and synergy from you already.
“However, the visit is also an opportunity for me and my men to get acquainted with your men and familiarize with one another as we shall be meeting on the field in the course of our job”, he added.
Commandant Odumosu, while thanking the Commander, Guards Brigade for receiving him, his officers and men in audience, commended the Nigerian Army for its maturity and camaraderie which has resulted in a long standing good relationship with the NSCDC.
The Commandant noted that the Civil Defence Corps owed its evolution to the Military especially the Nigerian Army.
He pointed out that the Civil Defence came into existence during the Nigerian civil war of 70s, where there was a need to educate and also train the civilians on self defence and protective measures in the case of eventualities of the war.
He added that by the time the Corps became a full fledged paramilitary organization, core of the training of the NSCDC were basically from the Army.
“The two agencies have come a long way and should continue to collaborate more effectively and progressively for the safety of lives and property of Nigerians and other residents in the country.
“We are a product of the military, directly or indirectly”, Odumosu said.
The Commandant solicited more collaboration in the areas of operations and training for his men from the Brigade of Guards Commander. He reiterated that, with more training and retraining programs in place, all security agencies in the sub-sector will be able to operate and cooperate more efficiently without any one lagging behind in latest operational tactics.
Commandant Odumosu said that his mission to making the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) free of vandals of critical infrastructures such as manhole covers, street lights, traffic lights amongst other criminalities can not be done in isolation of other security agencies, hence, the necessity for the courtesy visit.
In his response, the Brigade of Guard Commander, Col. Olusegun Adebisi Onasanya, appreciated the courtesy visit and stated that the visit is a mark of continous synergy and interagency collaborations already existing among all the security agencies in the FCT.
He noted that there are already joint operations between the Civil Defence, other paramilitary agencies and the Nigerian Army which has been responsible for the downward trends of crimes and security threats in the FCT.
In response to the NSCDC’s request for training, the Brigade Commander promised to consult with the Defence Headquarters immediately and find out how the training of the NSCDC personnel will be undertaken.
“If I need to consult, I will consult, If I need to take permission or approval from the top, I will, but the training will be effected”, Onasanya promised.
He assured the FCT Commandant that, from time to time, enlightenment will be intensified among the junior cadres of the Nigerian Army to foster a healthier relationship with the NSCDC and other security agencies so as to enhance a unified front for security of the nation.
While wishing Commandant Odumosu and his team a very successful tenure at the FCT, he said that the visit is highly necessary for the officers of both agencies to meet for a better understanding of each other, stating that, the era of one agency doing it alone is over.
Also in attendance at the event with the Acting Guards Brigade Commander are Lt.Col SA Yahaya, Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt.Col Wom, Major JO Ogunbunmi, Major MN Yusuf, Major U.Adamu, Major T.Gboko, GY Rabiu and Captain SA Sitwan as well as the Guards PRO, Lt Olokodana.
After exchanging pleasantries, a souvenir of the Guards Brigade, a bourgeois looking crafted scorpion, the insignia of the Guards Brigade was presented to the visiting Commandant.
In the entourage of the FCT Commandant were his Head of Admin, HOD Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), Head of Operations, HOD Intelligence and Investigation, Arms Commander among others.
FCT COMMANDANT, NSCDC, VISITS BRIGADE OF GUARDS, CALLS FOR PROGRESSIVE INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION.
Mining: FG Finalizes Plans to Reduce Release of Mercury into Atmosphere in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The federal government is finalizing plans aimed at direct reduction of excess emissions and release of mercury into the environment from Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities in the country.
The effort is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, during an inception workshop organized at the weekend, in Abuja, to enhance the formalization of a mercury-free gold in Nigeria, revealed that they are collaborating together to forge a future where Nigeria’s gold resources are harnessed responsibly, without compromising the health of the people or the integrity of the environment
Lawal, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mahmud Kambari, said the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector represents a notable contributor to Nigeria’s economy, and offers livelihoods to many, but, however worried that the sector presents a complex challenge due to the widespread use of mercury.
He decried that this has been identified as a potent neurotoxin with devastating consequences for human health and the environment.
He said: “Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can contaminate water sources and soil, leading to serious environmental and health problems. It can bioaccumulate in the food chain, leading to long-term health effects in humans and wildlife. In addition, mercury pollution can persist in the environment for decades, causing harm to ecosystems and biodiversity.”
Lawal disclosed that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, demonstrated its commitment by developing a National Action Plan (NAP) for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Nigeria between 2017 and 2020.
The Minister said the present collaboration under the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project builds upon the foundation laid by the NAP and represents a significant step forward in their commitment to tackling mercury pollution in the ASGM sector. He further reiterated that the project aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s national environmental policies and its obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, adding that its focus on a holistic, multi-sectoral approach, integrating formalization with the adoption of mercury-free technologies and access to traceable supply chains, offers a sustainable pathway for the sector’s development.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, Engr. Faruk Yabo noted that Nigeria stands at the forefront of efforts to formalize the ASGM sector and reduce mercury use, in line with the Minamata Convention and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Yabo revealed that the by this project initiative, Nigeria is not only joining the global community efforts, but is setting an example for other nations—demonstrating that economic development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
He said: “This project is designed to support policy reforms, strengthen institutional capacity, empower mining communities, and enhance access to finance for artisanal and small-scale miners. Improving financial inclusion is critical to enabling miners to invest in cleaner technologies, adopt safer practices, and transition toward formal and sustainable operations. By fostering partnerships across government, industry, and civil society, we aim to create an enabling environment where miners can thrive economically while safeguarding health and ecosystems.”
In a message at the event, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said; “By this project initiative, Nigeria is not only joining the global community efforts, but is setting an example for other nations—demonstrating that economic development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.”
It noted that: “This project is designed to support policy reforms, strengthen institutional capacity, empower mining communities, and enhance access to finance for artisanal and small-scale miners. Improving financial inclusion is critical to enabling miners to invest in cleaner technologies, adopt safer practices, and transition toward formal and sustainable operations. By fostering partnerships across government, industry, and civil society, we aim to create an enabling environment where miners can thrive economically while safeguarding health and ecosystems.
“UNIDO is committed to partner with the Government of Nigeria in driving this important transformation. In line with our mandate, to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development, our commitment extends beyond the life of this project. We will continue to deliver technical expertise, facilitate knowledge exchange, and leverage international networks to attract resources and partnerships. Together, we aim to position Nigeria’s ASGM sector as a benchmark for sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation—contributing to economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.”
Mining: FG Finalizes Plans to Reduce Release of Mercury into Atmosphere in Nigeria
Army troops repel attack, neutralise four bandits in Taraba communal clash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Peace Shield have repelled an attack by armed bandits and neutralised four of the assailants following a communal clash between the Shomo and Wurkun communities in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The clash, which occurred at Usmanu village, led to the burning of 15 houses before troops of were deployed to the area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, arrived the scene at about 9:35 a.m. on Nov. 29 after receiving distress reports from the affected communities.
On arrival, about 50 armed bandits reportedly launched an attack on the soldiers, prompting a swift response that overpowered the assailants.
During the encounter, troops neutralised four bandits and recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, three dane guns, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two magazines.
The troops also arrested one key suspect believed to be collaborating with the armed group.
According to the military, the suspect is currently undergoing further investigation.
The sources added that the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as clearance operations continue in the general area.
Army troops repel attack, neutralise four bandits in Taraba communal clash
EXCLUSIVE:Army troops rescue 12 abducted girls in Askira/Uba in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, reliable security sources confirmed on Sunday.
The victims, all aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on Nov. 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands. The incident triggered panic across the district, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities.
A security source, told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation was successful as all the girls had returned safely.
Although details of the operation were still sketchy at the time of filing this report, sources said some individuals played significant roles in facilitating the safe recovery of the girls.
Zagazola could not immediately verify whether any ransom was paid or the precise circumstances that led to the rescue.
The rescued girls include: Fatima Shaibu,(17) Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamidu (17).
Zagazola learnt that the victims have since been moved to a secure military location for medical evaluation and profiling, after which they will be reunited with their families.
The rescue comes amid renewed military offensives in the southern Borno axis, where troops have intensified clearance operations against ISWAP remnants responsible for recurrent attacks and abductions.
Parents of the abducted girls expressed relief, describing the development as a “major emotional breakthrough” after a week of uncertainty and fear.
EXCLUSIVE:Army troops rescue 12 abducted girls in Askira/Uba in Borno
ECOWAS Court Delegation Undertakes Study Visits on Enforcement of Human Rights Decisions
Mining: FG Finalizes Plans to Reduce Release of Mercury into Atmosphere in Nigeria
Army troops repel attack, neutralise four bandits in Taraba communal clash
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