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NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

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NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Ogbonnaya Orji has called for the creation of special squadron to ward off threat and insecurity at various mining sites in Nigeria and elsewhere in West Africa.

In his keynote address at the gathering of stakeholders from different mining communities in West Africa to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that are confronting mining activities in the region organized by the international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), Orji said there is need for the creation of a special squadron for the mining sector to fight insecurity and other issues affecting the mining district.

Orji while noting that Africa is blessed with abundant mineral resources, ranging from gold and diamonds to oil and gas, added that “these resources hold the promise of transformation, the potential to elevate the lives of our people, and to power the development of our nations”.

He however expressed concern that the communities where these resources are gotten from are often left vulnerable and continue to face several security challenges.

He said: “The challenges faced by these mining host communities need urgent resolutions. There is a need for collaboration with security agencies and mining host communities to help curb insecurity in the mining sector.

“It is also the responsibility of the government to ensure that the wealth derived from our minerals is utilised for the common good, and are equitably shared among our people, the environment is protected for generation to come and that the human rights of the people are well protected. “

Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who hailed the enthusiasm of the stakeholders for embracing the ideas and proposing many pathways to achieving the roadmap, said Nigeria government shall continue to ensure good business and security for mining host communities by ensuring policy consistency and adequate security.

While commending Global Rights for continuous work in protecting and advocating for marginalized communities, the Minister charged the stakeholders to be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and shared responsibility.

The international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) who organized the gathering expressed worry over the growing challenges facing mining host communities in West Africa, insisting that the troubled communities need to come together, deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with.

Global Rights in conjunction with Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) have gathered the stakeholders in Abuja for the 2023 West African Mining Host Communities’, called INDABA.

The West African Mining Host Communities INDABA is a Natural Resource Governance Summit that provides a critical platform for Mining Host Communities in West Africa to engage and have critical conversations on strengthening safeguards for the sustainability of mining host communities in the subregion.

Speaking at the conference, the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, said the conference is aimed at bringing together the host communities to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with as West Africans.

“It’s a platform for an open and inclusive dialogue where ideas, experiences and solutions are shared collectively.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the wealth of West Africa’s minerals benefits the many, rather than the few and that becomes a catalyst for peace, development, and progress” She said.

A communique issued at the end of the conference stated that sustainable West African Regional Policy Initiatives must reflect the United Nations Guiding
Principles of protect, respect and access to remedies.

It also highlighted that the sub-region must expedite processes to adapt National Action Plans on Business
and Human Rights.

The conference pointed out that policies on water management, and sustainable resource management should be coherent
with climate-smart mining as an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practice in the mining industry in Africa.

NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

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CP Nasarawa tasks his personnel to hunt down the culprits of the recent killing of 11 in Udege

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CP Nasarawa tasks his personnel to hunt down the culprits of the recent killing of 11 in Udege

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Nasarawa State Command, Shetima Mohammed, has ordered an intensive manhunt for all perpetrators of the heinous act which led to the death of 11 residents in Udege.

He has equally directed all tactical teams and investigative units to ensure the prompt identification of the killers and further prosecution when they are finally caught.

He gave the directive recently when he
visited Udege Development Area in Nasarawa council Area following the recent communal attack that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property in the area.

During his visit to the affected communities of Akyawa and Udege Kasa on April 3, 2026, the CP expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident which claimed the lives of 11 residents and the further burning of several homes.

He commiserated with the families of the deceased and the entire community, assuring them of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served accordingly.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the same day, involved hoodlums from one side suspected to have carried out a reprisal attack over the alleged killing of two of their kinsmen.

A release signed by the police spokesperson Raman Nansel noted that in the course of the attack, 11 persons were killed, while about 50 homes were burnt in Akyawa while Udege Kasa lost only two residences.

To prevent any further breakdown of law and order, the CP has also directed the immediate reinforcement and sustained deployment of additional Police personnel, in synergy with the Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to provide adequate security and restore lasting peace in the area.

A stakeholders’ meeting was held during the visit, where the CP urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.

“The Command reassured members of the public that normalcy has been restored to the affected communities, while proactive measures are in place to prevent any recurrence of violence.” Said the release.

CP Nasarawa tasks his personnel to hunt down the culprits of the recent killing of 11 in Udege

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Zamfara bandits plan reprisals after heavy losses in military, DSS operations that killed Ado Aliero’s son, 65 others

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Zamfara bandits plan reprisals after heavy losses in military, DSS operations that killed Ado Aliero’s son, 65 others

By: Zagazola Makama

Armed bandits are reportedly planning coordinated retaliatory attacks across parts of Zamfara State following recent large-scale security operations that resulted in significant losses among their ranks, including the killing of a notorious kingpin’s son and several commanders.

The planned reprisals are believed to be linked to sustained offensives conducted by Nigerian military forces in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and hybrid security units under Operation FANSAN YANMA, which targeted bandit enclaves in Tsafe Local Government Area and surrounding forest corridors.

The operations reportedly led to the neutralisation of about 65 armed bandits, including high-profile commanders operating under the network of Ado Aliero, a notorious figure linked to years of violent attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, identified as the son of Ado Aliero, alongside other field commanders who were said to play key roles in coordinating armed operations in the region.

Other commanders reportedly eliminated during the offensive included Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, as well as additional field leaders who coordinated attacks across Tsafe, Maru and surrounding communities.

The losses are understood to have significantly disrupted the operational structure of the criminal network, even as indications suggest attempts by surviving elements to regroup and launch retaliatory attacks against security formations and nearby communities.

The planned reprisals are also said to involve large-scale movement of armed fighters across forest routes, with motorcycles used for rapid mobilisation and coordination across multiple axes.

The sources said the movement involved suspected bandits operating on over 200 motorcycles, assembling around Unguwar Tsamiya forest axis, with indications that a well-known bandit leader, Bello Turji, had been linked to the planned mobilisation.

Security sources said the sustained operations also dismantled several bandit enclaves in Munhaye and adjoining forest belts, disrupting logistics networks and freeing victims previously held in captivity.

One of the slain commanders, Kachalla Biyabiki, was said to have been holding several abducted victims at the time of the operation, while another leader, Kachalla Dogon Bete, was also neutralised during the engagement.

The development, according to intelligence officials, has significantly weakened the operational structure of Ado Aliero’s network but may also trigger retaliatory violence from surviving fighters seeking revenge.

Security authorities said the latest intelligence pointing to the likelihood of reprisal attacks, particularly against soft targets and isolated rural communities.

They added that surveillance and troop deployments had been intensified across vulnerable locations, with emphasis on forest fringes and highway corridors in Tsafe, Maru, and neighbouring areas.

Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, while assuring that ongoing operations would be sustained to prevent any breakdown of security.

Operation FANSAN YANMA forces, alongside DSS operatives and hybrid units, are continuing clearance operations aimed at dismantling remaining bandit camps and preventing regrouping across the North-West theatre.

Zamfara bandits plan reprisals after heavy losses in military, DSS operations that killed Ado Aliero’s son, 65 others

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Troops repel bandits’ attack in AgatuBenue

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Troops repel bandits’ attack in Agatu
Benue

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the police, repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits on a joint patrol team in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on April 4, when the troops on routine patrol encountered the armed bandits.

According to the sources, the bandits opened fire on sighting the troops, leading to a gun duel.

“The troops responded decisively, forcing the bandits to retreat after a brief exchange of fire,” the source said.

The attackers reportedly fled through a nearby river, taking advantage of the difficult terrain.

The sources confirmed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the encounter.

Following the incident, troops have intensified patrols and commenced combing operations in surrounding bushes to track down the fleeing suspects.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by the military to curb banditry and sustain peace in the area.

Troops repel bandits’ attack in Agatu
Benue

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