Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site

By: Zagazola Makama

A tragic accident at a mining site in Zurak, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, has left 37 miners dead and 25 others hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide gas while working deep underground.

Zagazola Makama learnt from sources that the incident occurred at the Solid Mining Company early on Feb. 18.

The sources said the victims, mostly young men aged between 20 and 35 years, were conducting routine mining operations when they inhaled toxic gas that had accumulated in the poorly ventilated tunnels.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with miners collapsing inside the tunnels and colleagues rushing to evacuate survivors.

Rescue teams, alongside mining site personnel, quickly cordoned off the affected area and transported 25 victims to a nearby primary health centre, where they are receiving treatment. Some of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Police sources confirmed that the mining site has been fully secured to prevent further exposure and to allow investigators to determine the exact circumstances that led to the gas leak. “The site is under strict control, and emergency protocols are being followed to manage the situation,” one source said.

The tragedy has draw attention to the longstanding safety challenges in the underground mining industry, particularly the risk of gas exposure in deep tunnels.

Experts note that proper ventilation, gas monitoring systems, and emergency preparedness are critical to preventing such disasters.

Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation, including assessing whether the mining company complied with existing safety standards and determining accountability. Further updates, including confirmed identities of victims and official responses from regulators, are expected.

Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site

NSCDC Busts Criminal Ring in Abuja, Arrests 10 Suspects in Vandalism, Kidnapping Crackdown

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dealt a major blow to criminal networks in Abuja and neighboring states, arresting ten suspects involved in vandalism, theft, and kidnapping, in a high-stakes operation by its elite Special Intelligence Squad (SIS) and Crack Squad.

The arrests come under directives from NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, aimed at protecting lives, national assets, and critical infrastructure.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale, six suspects were apprehended for vandalising electrical and communication installations and stealing government property.

Items recovered from them include large quantities of armored cables, heavy-duty hacksaws, ropes, and water pipes. Notable arrests included:

He said arrested were Suleiman Ibrahim, caught at Jabi Park with stolen cables and tools; Umar Rabiu (18) arrested at Berger Junction with significant recovered materials; Muktar Yusuf (22) and Ibrahim Haruna (18), implicated in infrastructure vandalism and theft.

He added that four additional suspects were apprehended for kidnapping, cattle rustling, and related offenses, including Ali Musa of Garko and Musa Juli, a Niger national operating illegally in Nasarawa State. Two other suspects, Umar Abdullahi (30) and Murtala Ibrahim (22) arrested for kidnapping and theft.

Meanwhile, the Commandant Apollo Dandaura, head of the SIS, disclosed that some suspects were intercepted in manhole channels around Berger Roundabout, while others were armed. In one intense encounter, a suspect was neutralized after engaging operatives in a gun duel, underscoring the risks faced by NSCDC personnel in the field.

He disclosed that all suspects have confessed to their involvement and will face trial in competent courts.

NSCDC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against vandalism, sabotage, and threats to government assets, while commending the public for providing actionable intelligence that led to the operation’s success.

The Corps emphasized that protecting lives, property, and national infrastructure remains a top priority and called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies in combating crime.

NSCDC Busts Criminal Ring in Abuja, Arrests 10 Suspects in Vandalism, Kidnapping Crackdown

Troops intercept suspects with N37m cash in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Army troops of Operation HADIN KAI, have intercepted five suspects conveying about N37 million in cash under suspicious circumstances.

Security sources said the suspects were apprehended while travelling in a red Golf wagon with registration number MNG 463 XA en route to Magumeri.

The sources disclosed that the vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint by troops on routine security duty, leading to the discovery of the large sum of money concealed inside a “Ghana must go” bag and a sack.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the two women and three men initially claimed they did not know the total amount in their possession, but later alleged that the cash was meant for distribution to beneficiaries of a non-governmental organisation.

The troops also recovered about 10 assorted mobile phones from the suspects during the search.

The sources said the suspects, along with the recovered cash and exhibits, would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

Security officials reiterated their commitment to tightening surveillance across operational areas to prevent movement of illicit funds and other items that could aid criminal or insurgent activities.

Troops intercept suspects with N37m cash in Borno