News
Interior and Solid Minerals Development Ministries Collaborate to End Insecurity, Illegal Mining
Interior and Solid Minerals Development Ministries Collaborate to End Insecurity, Illegal Mining
By: Michael Mike
The Ministries of Interior and Solid Minerals Development have commenced a joint task to put an end to insecurity around mining sites across the country with the handling over of Mining Marshal from the former to the later.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Thursday formally handed over the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General’s Mining Marshal which was newly commissioned to ensure adequate security in the mining industry to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The Interior Minister who expressed optimism that the squad will end illegal mining activities soon, was represented at the handing over ceremony by the Commandant General (CG) of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi.
The minister noted with satisfaction that the Corps had made unprecedented arrests of illegal miners including foreign nationals from China.
The squad code-named, ‘Operation Hayakinkoko’ according to the Minister is to smoke out all illegal miners who are responsible for the loss of huge national revenue from mining that is supposed to accrue from the sector.
“We are losing huge amounts of revenue from illegal mining activities”, Olubunmi stated.
The 60-member Mining Marshal, also known as the starter group was presented the the Minister of Solid Minerals Development with membership drawn across state commands based on credibility, and trained for effective service delivery under the Command of CSC John Onoja Attah, and would be replicated in all the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
On his part, the Commandant General of NSCDC assured the minister of bringing the activities of illegal miners to an end and hinted that already, the Corps discretely has a record of illegal mining sites in the country.
Also speaking in a welcome address, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, expressed delight in the quick response of the NSCDC by making available its personnel who are trained to address the menace of insecurity and ensure that only registered operators exist in the mining industry.
Alake who described the presentation/handing over of Mining Marshal to his ministry as symbolic and epitome of all that had been discussed at the inter-ministerial committee set up by President Bola Tinubu, applauded the Corps for bringing his ministry’s plan to fruition.
On assumption of duty in the ministry, he revealed part of his 7-point agenda in line with the renewed hope of Mr President was to create Mines Police to address insecurity in the sector, and expressed delight with the provision made by NSCDC irrespective of the nomenclature.
The Minister said the expectation of the present government is for solid minerals to contribute over 50 per cent of the nation’s revenue and decried nefarious activities of illegal mining which must be kept in check.
He maintained an inter-ministerial committee comprising ministries of Mining and solid minerals, Blue Economy, Interior and Police Affairs to fashion out ways to sanitise the industry and since then, members of the committee had worked relentlessly noting that the Marshal formed by the NSCDC and subsequent interventions by other agencies are all efforts in addressing challenges in the mining sector.
Other highlights of the event were the presentation of goodwill by the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Mining, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi who assured the Ministry and stakeholders of the National Assembly’s support.
The legislator said with the commencement of security protection of the sector economic fortune of the country will change positively against the regrettable practice whereby local minerals are even smuggled out of the country.
Interior and Solid Minerals Development Ministries Collaborate to End Insecurity, Illegal Mining
Zulum Approves Employment for 15 People with Disability
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has approved the employment of 15 people with disability with bachelor’s degree certificates, NCEs, diplomas and vocational training certificates.
The governor gave the approval in Maiduguri on Friday night at the Government House.
He said: “I am delighted to note that despite your disability, you people are not lazy; you decided to pursue your education, and for this, I want to commend you.
“I directed the Commissioner of Education to process your application for employment for my approval immediately. Therefore, I want to bring to your kind notice that you should be on the payroll of Borno State Government effective 1st May, 2024, in sha Allah.”
He directed the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, to review the activities of all the blind schools in Borno State in order to train more people with disability.
Zulum also ordered the Ministry of Education to work out modalities for introducing the teaching of special education courses at the College of Education in Bama.
“I am happy that they have obtained their qualifications in different specialisations. Let’s strengthen the College of Education in Bama to start delivering courses on special education,” Zulum ordered.
Earlier in his address, Borno State Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Mohammed Mustapha, expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for approving employment for his members.
Zulum Approves Employment for 15 People with Disability
Friday prayers strengthen our bond as Muslims, Lawan
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, said that one of the most significant benefits of Friday’s Juma’at prayers is the opportunity it provides us as Muslims to come together to strengthen our bond as faithfuls.
Senator Ahmad Lawan disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Damaturu after Friday’s Juma’at prayers at the Aliyu Ibn Ali Talib Masjid Mosque in Maitama, Abuja.
He said it serves as a reminder for us to reflect on our faith and strive for spiritual growth and purification. It is also a time for us as believers to seek forgiveness for our sins, offer repentance, and renew our commitment to following the teachings of Islam.
“In addition to the spiritual benefits, Friday’s Juma’at prayers also hold a special place in supplications for the prosperity and well-being of our dear country, Nigeria. We must always pray for the peace, prosperity, and development of Nigeria.
“I seized the opportunity today to seek Allah’s (SWT) blessing and guidance for the leaders of our nation for economic growth, social harmony, and overall success.” Senator Lawan said.
May Almighty Allah (SWT) help us to work together as one nation as we strive towards realizing a better and brighter future for our beloved country. Ameen.
Friday prayers strengthen our bond as Muslims, Lawan
News
Six Commanders of ISWAP/Boko Haram and scores of fighters killed, 24 fighters captured alive in renewed clashes
Six Commanders of ISWAP/Boko Haram and scores of fighters killed, 24 fighters captured alive in renewed clashes
By: Zagazola Makama
Atleast Six Commanders of the Islamic State of the West African Province and the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, Boko Haram faction were and scores of fighters were perished in a gunfight between the groups at Tumbum Fulani in the North East of Kangarwa.
It was gathered that in the wee hours of April 26, 2024, angry Boko Haram elements went to where ISWAP fighters were camping in Tumbun Fulani and attacked them in response to the series of attacks launched by ISWAP on its positions.
Imparcable sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that thr fight at Tumbun Fulani was bloody as the Boko Haram group succeeded in killing Abu Imrana, the ISWAP Commander (Khaid) of the Lake Chad, Abu Nura, Commander In Charge of the Waterways (Naval) as well as scores of their fighters.
But a the Boko Haram faction who carried the attack were tried to withdraw, they met strong resistance from the ISWAP counterparts who deployed more of their fighters to engage the rival group.
In the aftermath of the heavy gunbattle, the ISWAP overpowered the Boko Haram faction and killed four Commanders, several fighters while 24 fighters were captured alive and taken to Prison. The ISWAP group also seized several weapons from the Boko Haram group.
The JAS group – led by Ibrahim Bakura Doro aka Bakaura Buduma – has remained a formidable enemy of ISWAP ever since Shekau’s death It has repeatedly attacked ISWAP positions around the lake.
The deadly rivalry between the two erstwhile allies will continue unabated as the Boko Haram fighters are not prepared to surrender their supremacy or be displaced by the ‘usurpers. ISWAP on the other hand, vowed to eliminate all the Boko Haram terrorists on the surface of the earth.
Six Commanders of ISWAP/Boko Haram and scores of fighters killed, 24 fighters captured alive in renewed clashes
Zulum Approves Employment for 15 People with Disability
Four Chinese Arrested for Illegal Miningin Nasarawa
Army, DSS eliminates 7 terrorists in the North West, recover 10 rifles, motorcycles
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