NSCDC Calls for Collaboration to Tackle Illegal Mining in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant General, Prof. Abubakar Audi has called for collaboration with security agencies to combat the cases of illegal mining in the country.

Speaking at a high-level National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit in Abuja, where he addressed on the need of expanded role of the Corps in combating illegal mining and protecting national asset, Audi noted that the fight against illegal mining cannot be won by security forces alone, but requires grassroots engagement, local intelligence, and community buy-in.

At the event which was held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, where senior officials from government, civil society, and security agencies sat to examine pressing threats including terrorism, oil theft, violent extremism, illegal mining, and human rights violations, Audi who served as the Guest Speaker, anchored his address on the theme: “The Role of Community Leaders and Civil Society Organisations in Tackling Illegal Mining in Nigeria.”

Represented by the Mining Marshals Commander; Assistant Commandant Attah Onoja, delivered remarks that drew attention from participants, and underscored the Corps’ record of success under his watch.

Onoja said: “Under the leadership of the Commandant General, Prof. Audi, the Corps has recorded tremendous success in disrupting illegal mining operations across various states,” adding that: “This has not only safeguarded Nigeria’s mineral resources but has also positively impacted government revenue and local economic development.”

He noted that the Mining Marshals, established during Audi’s tenure, have spearheaded intelligence-led operations against illicit resource extraction. Officials say their work—ranging from strategic deployments and arrests to seizures and prosecutions—has reshaped enforcement in a sector long plagued by criminal activity and revenue losses.

Onoja also called for greater inter-agency collaboration, coordination and cooperation, stressing that threats such as banditry and terrorism demand collective responses. “Security challenges…require collective action and sustained policy implementation,he noted, while reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to professionalism and integrity.

The summit agreed that the Nigeria’s security institutions—including the NSCDC—must be further empowered to confront the array of crimes undermining the country’s economic stability and democratic order.

NSCDC Calls for Collaboration to Tackle Illegal Mining in Nigeria

Police probe alleged abduction, release of TikTok influencer Peller in Lagos

By: Zagazola Makama

The police in Lagos are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and safe release of a TikTok influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported at about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 28 by one Uthman Bello of Platinum Rows Estate, Lekki.

“Bello reported that on Aug. 27, at about 10:40 p.m., while he was on a live video call with his friend, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, he received information that the victim had been forcefully dragged into a commercial bus, popularly called Korope, along Nike Art Gallery, Ikate, Ilasan.

“He immediately drove to the scene, where he found the victim’s vehicle untouched.

“However, the victim was later released unhurt by his captors at Jubilee Bridge, Ajah, at about 12:30 a.m. without any ransom paid,”said the sources.

The sources added that detectives visited the scene and the victim was reunited with his family, while investigation was ongoing to unravel the truth behind the alleged abduction.

Police probe alleged abduction, release of TikTok influencer Peller in Lagos

Interior Minister Seeks Fire Service Reform

By: Michael Mike

Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for urgent reform of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), including a new legal framework to empower it and open the sector to private participation.

Speaking at the Ministry of Interior Mid-Tenure/2025 Sectoral Performance Retreat held at Zuma Rock Resorts in Suleja, Niger State, the Minister described the current Fire Service Act of 1963 as “obsolete and inadequate,” stressing that it neither reflects today’s realities nor gives the FFS prosecutorial or regulatory powers.

He said: “By law today, the fire service cannot prosecute, cannot enumerate, and cannot even regulate. When a government agency lacks prosecution, regulation and enforcement powers, it becomes a toothless dog.”

The Minister argued that Nigeria’s growing population and booming economy require modern fire and rescue services, which cannot be funded by government alone. “Government cannot keep buying fire trucks abroad. Just as we license private guard companies, we must begin to license private firefighting and rescue companies,” he declared.

He added that private sector involvement in firefighting is standard practice in advanced economies such as Japan, China and the United States, noting that Nigeria must adopt similar models to protect lives, businesses and investments.

Tunji-Ojo noted that effective emergency response is critical for investor confidence, adding that: “No serious investor will put money in a country where there is no emergency response system. Most fire incidents could have been avoided with immediate response.”

He revealed that his ministry was already in discussions with the National Assembly on amending the Fire Service Act to bring the law in line with global best practices and empower the FFS with regulatory authority.

The Minister said beyond fire service reform, it was bad to frequently redeploy officers across unrelated units in paramilitary agencies, describing it as wasteful and counterproductive.

He said: “If you spend one year in border management and are suddenly moved to finance or HR, capacity building suffers. Officers should be allowed to build careers along their areas of expertise. National security requires specialization, not generalization.”

Tunji-Ojo called for structured career progression paths within the Interior Ministry’s agencies, particularly for officers in border management, migration and HR, to ensure institutional knowledge and continuity.

He insisted that emergency services are central to national security and economic stability, noting that in the US and UK, emergency medical services are under the fire service, adding that this is what we must aim for. “If we fail in emergency response, we fail the economy.@

The Minister urged lawmakers, stakeholders and the private sector to join forces with government in transforming the nation’s fire and rescue framework, describing it as a prerequisite for safety, investment and sustainable growth.

Interior Minister Seeks Fire Service Reform