News
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
News
Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama

Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama
… Borno State Governor Announces Resettlement of 5,000 Displaced Persons Ahead of Farming Season
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has revealed plans to resettle 5,000 displaced persons from five communities before the end of the rainy season to enable them to engage in farming activities.
The communities include Goniri, Bula Kuriye, Mayanti, Abbaram, and Darajamal.

Governor Zulum disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, Dr. Umar ibn Kyari Umar ElKanemi, at his palace in Bama on Friday.
The governor stated that the construction of 1,000 transitional shelters has commenced in each of the communities, with Darajamal’s already completed.
“We are committed to resettling all displaced persons living in IDP camps back to their communities. Construction of transitional shelters has started in Mayanti, Goniri, Bula Kuriye, and Abbaram, while that of Darajamal has been completed. I have also directed the digging of trenches to fortify the communities,” Governor Zulum said.

He emphasised the importance of farming, stating, “Our target is to ensure that they participate in this cropping season. Farming is our greatest treasure. I will interface with the Commanding Officer and leaders of Civilian JTF to strategise on how best to further protect these areas.”
Additionally, Governor Zulum informed the Shehu of Bama that security measures have been strengthened in Nguro Soye, a community on the outskirts of Bama town, to ensure safe farming activities.
“While returning from Gwoza, I stopped at the military formation in Banki Junction, where we discussed intensifying security in Nguro Soye and surrounding areas. I have provided the necessary logistics to the military and Civilian JTF and pledged six months’ allowances for volunteers patrolling the area,” he announced.
In response, the Shehu of Bama commended Governor Zulum for his purposeful leadership and commitment to the security and welfare of the people.
“I will like to appreciate the governor for resettling the people of Darajamal and for ongoing efforts to return more displaced persons to their homes. We are grateful, Your Excellency,” the Shehu said.
He also appealed for additional support to members of the Civilian JTF to safeguard farmers and farmlands during the rainy season.
Zulum to Resettle 5,000 Displaced Persons in Bama
News
Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO

Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO
** As VP Shettima receives PM Makosso, hails country’s leadership in Great Lakes region
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the Republic of Congo, acknowledging the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso in promoting regional peace and stability, especially across Africa’s Great Lakes region.
He also said that Nigeria will consider Congo’s request for support in its bid to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Speaking on Friday while receiving the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, Anatole Collinet Makosso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, VP Shettima lauded the leadership of the Congolese President and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent. He is well-respected and has the experience and exposure to provide leadership to a turbulent region. Your country is a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” he said.
Senator Shettima, who received the Congolese delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the issues raised by the visiting Prime Minister, particularly the request for Nigeria’s endorsement of Firmin Edouard Matoko for the post of UNESCO Director-General, would be conveyed to the President.
“Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President. And I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. Wherever we go, we are essentially one people,” he said.

Earlier, the Congolese Prime Minister, who delivered a special message from President Sassou-Nguesso to President Tinubu, called for deepened relations between both countries and sought Nigeria’s support for Matoko, a long-serving UNESCO official with over three decades of experience.
“We have a candidate for the post of Director-General of UNESCO, Firmin Edouard Matoko, a seasoned diplomat and former senior official of the organisation with over three decades of experience,” Makosso said.
He explained that Matoko joined UNESCO in 1990 and served in several strategic roles, including Director of multiple regional offices, Director of the Africa Department, and ultimately as Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.
Makosso noted that Congo’s interest in Matoko’s candidacy was not merely national but based on competence.
“We are seeking Nigeria’s support for his candidature not because he is a Congolese, but because he is well qualified for the position, especially at this time that UNESCO needs a very experienced person,” he said.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Nigerian government and people for their humanitarian support to Congolese children who benefited from the Rochas Foundation, noting that some of the children, many of whom were orphans, have graduated, while others remain in school.
“We also want to thank the good people of Nigeria for taking care of some young children from Congo, some of them orphans who were offered free education by the Rochas Foundation. Some of them just graduated, while some are still in school. We are very grateful for that,” Makosso said.
He commended President Tinubu’s leadership at ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, just as he expressed sympathy with Nigerians over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Congo Seeks Nigeria’s Backing For Diplomat To Lead UNESCO
News
Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award

Again: Zulum nominated for African Governors Award
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum was nominated to receive the African Governors’ Excellence Award for 2025.
Mr Idahosa revealed that the prestigious event will celebrate visionary leadership, exceptional governance, and impactful development initiatives by governors across Africa. He said the award recognises commitment to sustainable socio-economic transformation in their respective regions and states.
Zulum will receive the award alongside other African Governors in Paris at the event on August 19. The vice-chairman of the selection committee, Idahosa Osamahze, stated in a news brief.
It can be recalled that Zulum received the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award in New York, United States of America, in 2024.
Idahosa emphasised that the award is to promote excellence in public service, encourage innovation in governance, and foster best practices in leadership for Africa’s socio-economic advancement.
According to him, Sheriff Oborevwori, Uba Sani, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Abdullahi Sule have been nominated for the award.
He said the nominated governors from Egypt are Abdel Amara, Kafr El Sheikh; Amr Hanafi, Gamal Nour El-Din, and Khaled Fouda.
Mr Idahosa added that Hillary Barchok, George Natembeya, Mohamed Adan Khalif, and Jeremiah Lomorukai were picked from Kenya.
He also said, “These governors exemplify what leadership with vision, integrity, and purpose can achieve. Their work is changing lives, fostering prosperity, and inspiring a new generation of public servants across Africa.”
According to Mr Idahosa, the Paris ceremony is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, development partners, diplomats, and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe.
He also noted that there shall be keynote addresses from global policy leaders, panel discussions on sub-national governance innovation, and networking sessions to foster intergovernmental collaboration.
End
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