LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE

By: Michael Mike

The House of Representative committee on Public Petitions has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi for numerous achievements made by the NSCDC in ensuring a crime-free mining environment.

The lawmakers expressed their delight in the operational plan of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs within the mining sector.

“We are impressed with the Mining Marshals’effort to salvage the nation from the hands of thieves and infiltrators”.

While charging the Corps to keep up the good work, the House Committee further requested the Marshals to provide the activity schedule of operations within four weeks.

Representing the NSCDC Commandant General; the Mining Marshals Commander; ACC John Onoja Attah made the presentation and assured the committee of a thorough judicial process and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the every case is prosecuted diligently and justly at the closure of a thorough investigation.

ACC Attah hinted that the Corps under the Audi led administration had reinvigorated and repositioned the NSCDC to prosecute it’s statutory mandates with due diligence and loyalty.

He said there are no daunting challenges that could outweigh the deliberate commitment made by the Corps to ensure sanctity within the Mining industry.

LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE

IWD: ‘India has highest number of female pilots worldwide. Says Envoy

By: Michael Mike

The Acting India High Commissioner, Ms Vartika Rawat has said that India’s support for women’s empowerment in Nigeria has opened opportunities for women in the country, saying India now has the highest number of female pilots in the world.

She disclosed this while delivering her welcome speech at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) which took place at the Indian High Commission in Abuja on Saturday.

She said: “India has the largest number of female pilots in the world. Of the total 11,775 pilots, 1,767 are female, accounting for approximately 15% of the workforce in this rigorous industry. This share exceeds the international average of 5 to 6 per cent”, the envoy said.

She also said women constitute around 36 per cent of India’s IT workforce.

Recalling the efforts made by women to defeat COVID-19 in 2020, Rawat said: “More than 6 million female frontline workers led the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

“Indian women scientists have shown their strength and determination in developing a COVID vaccine within the shortest possible time. Indian women scientists, again, have been instrumental for the success of India’s mission to the Mars and the moon.

“There are over 1.45 million or 46 per cent women elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions against mandatory representation of 33 per cent.”

She said Indian push for women empowerment focuses on enhancing women’s social, economic and political status, to ensure equality and dignity in society, adding that the government’s efforts included promoting education, healthcare and economic independence, alongside laws addressing gender-based Violence, workplace discrimination and inequality.

IWD: ‘India has highest number of female pilots worldwide. Says Envoy

Sokoto Community Guards Accused of Cattle Rustling, Residents Demand Urgent Investigation

By Zagazola Makama

Tensions are rising in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State following allegations that members of the Sokoto State Community Guard, originally recruited to protect rural communities from bandit attacks, have abandoned their mandate and are now engaged in cattle rustling.

Intelligence Sources, reports from affected communities indicates that the guards, who were expected to safeguard villages from violent criminals, have instead turned their attention to Fulani herders.

Allegations suggest that rather than confronting armed bandits, the guards are forcefully seizing livestock from herders grazing in forested areas. These cattle are then reportedly sold, with the proceeds allegedly deposited into local government accounts.

A source familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “What is happening now is not what we expected when the Sokoto State Government recruited these Community Guards. Instead of fighting bandits, they are going after innocent cattle herders. They claim the cows belong to criminals, but in reality, they are simply confiscating them and selling them off.”

Rising Tensions and Calls for Action

Community leaders warn that these actions could further destabilize the already volatile region. The alleged confiscation of livestock without confrontation or verification is raising concerns that innocent herders may be unfairly targeted. There are fears that such incidents could fuel resentment, worsening insecurity rather than addressing it.

In addition to these concerns, there are growing accusations that high-profile political figures in eastern Sokoto are protecting individuals involved in criminal activities. Residents claim that certain politicians have long been linked to aiding or shielding informants and collaborators of bandit groups. Despite repeated allegations, no formal investigations have been conducted to hold these individuals accountable.

A local elder in Sabon Birni lamented the lack of government intervention, saying: “Even a child in eastern Sokoto knows that some prominent politicians are backing criminals, yet nothing has been done about it. These are the same people who are now allowing the Community Guards to seize livestock without proof that they belong to bandits. If this continues, it will only escalate the crisis.”

Residents and concerned stakeholders are now urging the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to immediately investigate these claims and take appropriate action. They stress that while the fight against banditry is essential, it must be conducted lawfully and fairly to avoid worsening tensions in the region.

There are also demands for an independent probe into how the confiscated livestock is being handled and whether due process is being followed before animals are taken and sold.

A security analyst who has been monitoring developments in the region warned that failure to address these concerns could further erode trust in local security initiatives.

“If community security forces are not properly monitored and held accountable, they could become part of the problem rather than the solution. The Sokoto government must ensure that these guards operate within the law and that any cases of misconduct are thoroughly investigated,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations. However, pressure is mounting for authorities to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of security in Sabon Birni, Isa, and surrounding areas.

Residents insist that only a transparent and immediate investigation will restore confidence in the state’s security efforts and ensure that community protection measures do not turn into tools for exploitation.

Sokoto Community Guards Accused of Cattle Rustling, Residents Demand Urgent Investigation