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FG Orders NSCDC to Take Over Protection of Transmission Lines
FG Orders NSCDC to Take Over Protection of Transmission Lines
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has ordered the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to take over the protection of transmission lines and towers across the nation.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunjo-Ojo gave the order on Friday during the passing-out parade of the 2nd batch of mining marshals of NSCDC in Abuja, decrying that: “It is not acceptable for a country to spend billions on power infrastructure for it to be vandalized.”
The Minister while expressing deep concern over the constant vandalism of transmission lines, towers and transformers, described the oft-repeated vandalism of critical national assets as economic sabotage which must be nipped in the bud.
Tunji-Ojo added that: “I will speak with my brother, the Minister of power, the rate of vandalism , the rate of destruction of our critical infrastructure in the sector and a lot of sabotage going on with our transmission lines, our generation points and all the rest has to be looked into.
“It is your job to make sure that no critical asset of government is destroyed and we are ready and I believe NSCDC is up to the task.
“The next time I come here, I want to see my Power Rangers, I mean people that will protect our distribution lines, people that will protect our Gencos people that will protect every power sector. it’s not reasonable, it’s not acceptable for the for a country like Nigeria to spend billions of dollars on power infrastructure all for it to be vandalized no country grows or develops without the power sector so NSCDC it is time for you to play your part.
“In terms of the power sector we will take this sector by sector. I have decided that the solution towards you accomplishing your mandate is sectorization of your responsibility.”
Tunji-Ojo also assured Nigerians that the country would do everything it takes to win the war against illegal miners.
He said: “Today, I can tell you the revenue from the solid mineral sector is not where it used to be, it has improved. The security in terms of our mines has improved and of course Nigeria is a big country therefore, we need to train more, we need to deploy more personnel into making sure that all our mines and all critical assets of Nigeria are well protected.
“We have seen that there is no solution to our problems that Nigerians cannot prefer yes we’ve not yet won the war but we know we will win the war.”
On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake acknowledged that the revenue in the mineral sector has improved after the introduction of NSCDC Mining Marshals.
Alake, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, however warned miners to formalise their operations or face the law.
He said that the illegal operations of the miners have continued to cause land degradation.
In his remarks, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi lamented that the nation’s security especially the mining sector is being threatened by the nefarious activities of illegal miners, bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, among others, noting that this has led to a major setback in the development of the country’s otherwise very lucrative mining sector that is very critical to the country’s socio-economic development.
Audi said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of mineral resources which if properly tapped and managed, could significantly boost Nigeria’s revenue base which represents another giant stride towards stabilising the economy.”
He noted that adequate security measures towards strengthening security and safeguarding our collective patrimony needs to be put in place, while insisting that there is need for a robust policy guideline backed by legislation, for a robust regulatory measures to combat and criminalise illegal mining.
The CG explained that this measure will no doubt attract and encourage genuine investors (both indigenous and foreign) to the mining industry.
On the new mining marshals, he said: “I am of the firm believe that this intensive training has sufficiently equipped the participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to discharge their duties diligently and professionally. Let me at this juncture remind today’s graduands of the expectations of Government and to charge you all to maintain a high sense of professionalism, integrity, discipline, civility, humility, and level headedness and to ensure that knowledge gained in the course of the training is effectively utilized to fortify security at all mining sites across the country.
“You are also expected to imbibe the spirit of patriotism, absolute loyalty and to eschew acts or unethical conduct capable of dragging the image of the Corps in the mud as anyone found wanting will be appropriately sanctioned. Furthermore, you are to shun any act of unhealthy rivalry with other Security Agencies but rather regard yourselves as partners in the wheel of progress and development of this great Nation.”
FG Orders NSCDC to Take Over Protection of Transmission Lines
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
By: Zagazola Makama
Another group of repentant bandits has released three women in Katsina State as part of the ongoing peace process in the state.
The women, whose names were not immediately disclosed, were said to have been held by a notorious bandit leader, Kacalla Zailani, who controls the Maigora axis.
Community sources told Zagazola on Wednesday that Zailani freed the captives voluntarily without collecting ransom.
“He handed over the women to the mediators as a gesture of goodwill to consolidate the peace deal,” one of the sources said.
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
… Fagbemi: Zulum, people-centred and reform-driven Gov.
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, National Assembly and other partners to deepen reforms in the state justice system especially at the grassroots level.
Governor Zulum made the commitment on Wednesday at the 2025 Justice Sector Leadership Retreat held at the International Conference Centre of Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
“I reaffirm Borno State’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, and development partners to deepen reforms in our justice system, especially at the grassroots level,” Zulum stated.
The governor stressed the need for the deployment of technology which will make justice delivery faster, transparent and accountable to the citizenry, noting that Borno State had already adopted the use of digital technology to bridge justice delivery gap.
“In Borno State, we are already witnessing how digital tools have enhanced case tracking, enabling virtual court sittings, thus improving prison decongestion and streaming access to legal aid especially in hard-to-reach areas. If deployed strategically, technology can bridge the gap between rural and urban justice access,” he remarked.
“This is particularly important in Borno State where we continue to recover from a protracted
insurgency and humanitarian crisis. Justice must serve as a foundation for healing, rebuilding trust and restoring the social contract”.
The governor emphasized the need for institutional collaboration and coordinated reform to effectively confront the menace of terrorism, corruption, resolving land disputes and securing investments for a better society.
“I urge all of us here as policymakers, jurists, administrators and stakeholders to see
coordination not as a procedural matter, but as a moral imperative. Our people deserve a system that works, not one riddled with delays, duplications, or inefficiencies”.
The retreat themed “Strengthening Justice Sector Service Delivery through Technology, Innovation and Co-ordinated Reform” underscores the importance of deployment of digital tools to fast track judicial process.
The event was attended by the senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN; APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, Chairman/CEO NDLEA, Brig. Gen (rtd) Buba Marwa; Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, Heads of Agencies under Federal Ministry of Justice. Others include Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, acting Chief of Staff, the State Attorney-General, members of the state executive council, and other top government officials.
… Zulum: people-centred, and reform-driven Gov -Fegbemi
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has lauded Governor Babagana Zulum’s people-centred transformation and reforms in the justice sector.
“Just like other sectors, your impact in the justice sector has been profound. The launch of Borno State e-Justice project in
partnership with Law Pavilion has positioned the state as a pacesetter in digital transformation. With tools such as the Case
Management System, e-Library, and electronic mail tracking for legal processes, Borno is pioneering efficiency and transparency
in judicial service delivery,” Fagbemi stated.
“Borno under your leadership has become a case study in resilience and renewal. You have shown that governance is not about slogans but about solutions; not about rhetoric but about results. You have elevated the standard of leadership by demonstrating that ideas, when backed by courage and action, can transform societies, no matter the odds,” he added.
“In a state that has endured some of the toughest trials in our nation’s history, you did not succumb to despair. Instead, you applied
innovative thinking, sound judgment, and a data-driven approach to policy and the results are visible to all”.
The Attorney General called for the need to update the nation’s legal frameworks to support these innovations and invest in digital literacy,
cybersecurity, and data management for the professionals.
“By fostering a culture of innovation and leveraging the transformative power of technology, we can build a justice system that is more efficient, more accessible, and more equitable for all Nigerians,” he concluded.
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
By: Zagazola Makama
A total of 28 persons abducted by suspected bandits in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have been released without ransom following a peace arrangement with bandit kingpin.
The bandits, led by their commander identified as Isya Akwashi Garwa, handed over the captives to officials of the council on Wednesday.
Zagazola reports that those released were largely residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki and Yar Dabaru communities.
Local authorities confirmed that the release was the outcome of a reconciliation effort initiated in the area to restore peace and reduce violent attacks.
Community leaders in Faskari described the development as a positive signal and urged both sides to sustain the peace process. They also urged the bandit to force other bandits still attacking in the area to stop.
A council official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks,”he said.
Meanwhile, residents expressed relief at the safe return of the abductees, with some calling for stronger security guarantees to consolidate the gesture.
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
Another Bandits group release three women in Katsina in peace deal promises
Zulum Pledges Legal Reform to Deepen Justice System
Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina Following Peace Deal
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