Connect with us

News

CWAI hails NSCDC’s agro-rangers, mining marshals initiatives

Published

on

 

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), a civil society and pressure group, has lauded the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its innovative Agro-Rangers and Mining Marshals initiatives. These programs aim to boost Nigeria’s food security, protect farmers, and secure the country’s mining sector.

 

The Agro-Rangers Initiative, spearheaded by NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has deployed over 1,000 officers to safeguard farmers and their farmlands across the country, particularly in the northern states. This move has enabled farmers to cultivate and harvest their crops without fear of attacks from bandits and other criminal elements.

 

CWAI Executive Secretary Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele praised the NSCDC for its efforts, stating that the initiative has reduced insecurity in farming communities and increased food production. “The Agro-Rangers have been instrumental in mediating conflicts between farmers and herders, preventing malicious destruction of farmlands, and ensuring the safety of agricultural investments.”

See also  Sea pirates abduct NSCDC personnel, 4 others, demand N25m ransom

 

In addition to the Agro-Rangers, the NSCDC has also launched the Mining Marshals program to combat illegal mining and promote economic growth. The Federal Government recently deployed an additional 350 marshals to enhance the operational effectiveness of the squad.

 

Since the inauguration of the marshals, over 200 illegal mining suspects have been arrested, with 135 prosecutions and confiscation of illegally mined resources. CWAI commended the NSCDC for its commitment to reforming the mining sector and generating revenue for the country.

 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, emphasized the importance of the Mining Marshals in sanitizing the sector and boosting investors’ confidence. “The deployment of additional operatives will intensify efforts against illegal miners nationwide and ensure the country reaps the full benefits of its solid minerals for economic development.”

The group stated that, Dr. Audi stressed the need for continuous training and deployments to ensure comprehensive coverage of the country’s vast mining areas. according to him “The NSCDC will not rest until the country is completely free from any form of insecurity.”

See also  BREAKING: IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu presented in court, remanded in DSS custody

 

However, CWAI endorsed the initiatives, urging the Federal Government to provide adequate funding for training, capacity development, and manpower development of the Agro-Rangers and Mining Marshals.

 

“The populist approach of these initiatives will assist in fishing out hoodlums, rustlers, and bandits, promoting peaceful co-existence and economic growth,” Aigbegbele said.

 

The Agro-Rangers Initiative has been particularly effective in states plagued by banditry and insecurity, such as Benue and Borno. Farmers in these areas can now access their farmlands with confidence, thanks to the protection provided by the Agro-Rangers.

 

CWAI also noted that NSCDC’s collaboration with international organizations has bolstered efforts to safeguard agro-allied investments and boost the mining sector.

 

The organization pledged to support the NSCDC in its efforts to tackle bandits, herders, and illegal miners, promoting a safe and secure environment for all.

 

“NSCDC’s initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at diversifying the economy and promoting economic growth,” Aigbegbele said.

See also  Seven NSCDC officers missing after Boko Haram attack in Kaduna

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Tinubu returns to Nigeria after state visit to UK

Published

on

By

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Lagos early on Friday following a two-day historic visit to the United Kingdom.

The president is expected to join Muslim faithful later in the day to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

Tinubu and his wife, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, touched down at about 1:15 a.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

They were received on arrival by top government officials and party members, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts.

See also  We suspended priority visa not student, family, work visas, says UK
Continue Reading

News

Tinubu departs UK for Nigeria after historic state visit

Published

on

By

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed the the United Kingdom for Nigeria following a high-profile state visit.

This was disclosed on Friday morning by the President’s Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu depart London for Nigeria. President Tinubu and his wife are heading to Lagos for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration,” Onanuga wrote on his Facebook page.

The visit was marked by royal engagements, economic discussions and renewed diplomatic ties.

Tinubu was first received by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, where both leaders held talks aimed at strengthening relations between Nigeria and the UK. The visit featured ceremonial honours, including a carriage procession and a state banquet attended by senior members of the royal family.

At the banquet, Tinubu emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation between both countries. “Nigeria remains ready to deepen its partnership with the United Kingdom in trade, investment and shared prosperity,” he said. “We are committed to creating an environment that supports investors and drives sustainable growth,” Tinubu said.

See also  Bloody day: Army, DSS shoot seven ESN members dead, arrest five in Rivers

On his part, King Charles highlighted the enduring relationship between the two nations. “The United Kingdom and Nigeria share deep and enduring ties. Our countries are bound not only by history, but by a shared commitment to opportunity, enterprise and cultural exchange,” the monarch said.

Beyond the royal engagements, Tinubu also took part in meetings with UK officials, including discussions linked to the government of Keir Starmer, focusing on economic collaboration and investment opportunities.

Speaking on the outcomes of the visit, Tinubu said: “This visit has opened new pathways for cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and trade. We look forward to translating these discussions into tangible benefits for our people.”

A key development from the trip was progress on an agreement involving the rehabilitation of Nigerian ports, valued at hundreds of millions of pounds. According to officials, the project is expected to boost maritime capacity and support economic growth.

Tinubu also acknowledged the significance of the visit, noting that it comes at a crucial time for Nigeria’s economy. “We are determined to reposition our economy through strategic partnerships such as this,” he said.

See also  Wicked: How father, stepmother locked-up daughter in a room for five years

Continue Reading

News

Good morning! Nigerian Newspapers Headlines: 2027 gov poll: Succession firestorm heats up in 10 states

Published

on

By

1. The simmering build-up to the 2027 general elections is rapidly giving way to an expansive and high-stakes succession season in at least 10 states, as governors in their final terms prepare to exit and a new generation of political actors moves to take their place.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) are in the final lap of their constitutionally permitted two-term, four-year tenures, and the battle for their successors has begun across the states


2. President Bola Tinubu on Thursday night departed London after a two-day historic visit at the instance of the royal family. He is expected to land in Abuja on Friday morning.


3. The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian military to adopt a more proactive strategy against terrorist groups in the wake of deadly bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Abubakar made the appeal on Wednesday evening while declaring Friday as Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.


See also  Abducted Kogi varsity student rescued in Kwara

4. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State says the time of Boko Haram informants and their sympathizers is up, vowing that they would be tracked and made to face the full wrath of the law. The governor gave the warning during a state-wide broadcast on Thursday.


5. There was panic at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, after a fully loaded lorry crashed into the church premises and caught fire. The incident, which occurred late on Wednesday along the Agulu Lake–Golden Tulip Hotel Road, caused gridlock as motorists slowed down while emergency responders battled to contain the blaze.



6. Nigeria has entered into a fresh agreement with the United Kingdom that will enable British authorities to repatriate thousands of failed asylum seekers and convicted offenders to the West African nation. The deal was formalised by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Britain.


See also  UPDATED: Lagos residents protest rising cost of living crisis

7. Combined security operatives have arrested three suspected bandits linked to the February 3, 2026 attack on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The arrest was disclosed on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Ibraheem Abdullateef, in a Facebook post.



8. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Strategic Command, has arrested a suspect and recovered 510 blocks of cannabis sativa in a major pre–Eid-el-Fitr operation. The State Commander, D.Y. Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari.


9. Nigeria has been ranked the fourth most terrorized country in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index, 2026, released by the Institute for Economics & Peace, a non-profit think tank headquartered in Sydney, Australia. The report showed that 750 Nigerians lost their lives to terrorism in 2025, representing a 46 per cent increase compared to the previous year.



See also  Sea pirates abduct NSCDC personnel, 4 others, demand N25m ransom

10. The Police Command in Enugu State has detained three suspects in coordinated crime prevention operations across the state, recovering a firearm, ammunition and a tricycle. The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu. Ndukwe said that on March 15, about 9 a.m., operatives on patrol along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway intercepted an unregistered tricycle.

Continue Reading

Trending News