By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

In its decisive enforcement onslaught against the activities of illegal miners in Niger State, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources in the state, Hon. Mohammed Qasim Danjuma,has embarked on aggressive regulatory inspection at the Zuzungi Mining site in Kateregi area of Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

Already,the inspection of the Mining site has yielded the arrest of two foreigners who were engaging in illegal Mining activities in violation of established regulatory frameworks.

The suspects were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary legal action in line with existing laws.

The inspection, conducted alongside the Permanent Secretary, Directors of the Ministry, and relevant security agencies, is part of the Ministry’s intensified efforts to enforce compliance, uphold regulatory standards, and protect the State’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.

Speaking during the exercise, the Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining. He stressed that all operators must strictly comply with licensing requirements, approved guidelines, and environmental regulations. He further highlighted that safeguarding host communities, preserving the environment, and upholding the rule of law remain top priorities of the State’s mining policy.

This action underscores the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to responsible resource management, institutional accountability, and the creation of a safe, transparent, and investment-friendly mining sector. It also aligns with the vision of His Excellency, Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, and the broader objectives of the New Niger Agenda

Hon. Qasim Danjuma who is also the Danrimi Agaie Emirate warned that his Ministry will continue to launch aggressive inspections on Mining sites across the state with the aim of making the Mining sites inhabitable to illegal Miners and their unwholesome activities in the state.

He called on Community leaders and critical stakeholders in the state to continue to monitor the activities of illegal Miners in their domains and report to the Ministry for prompt and decisive action to be taken against them.

Speaking further,the Danrimi of Agaie assured that his Ministry will not relent on its oars until the state is rid of the unwholesome activities of illegal Miners insisting that “ battle line has been drawn with the operational activities of illegal Miners in Niger State.

“ Let me sound this warning to the unlicensed activities of illegal Miners in Niger State.The Ministry has drawn a battle line with their unwholesome operational and legal activities in the state.

“ We will continue to chase them out of the state if they continue with their criminal activities on our Mining Site.

“ We have already launched an onslaught against them. We will continue to monitor their activities across our Mining sites in the state until we flush them out of Niger State” the Commissioner declared.

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses outrage and deep concern over the horrifying video showing a University of Jos student, John Arum Azi, being tortured by armed bandits after his abduction along the Kaduna–Jos highway.
This disturbing incident, in which the victim was forced to plead for his life in a video recorded and circulated by his captors, represents a new low in the escalating crisis of insecurity in Nigeria. It is a grim reminder that criminal elements now operate with brazen impunity, exploiting the weakness of state response and the absence of deterrence.
HURIWA notes that this tragedy is not isolated. The recent abduction of students travelling in Benue State to sit for JAMB examinations further highlights a dangerous pattern—young Nigerians are increasingly being targeted simply for pursuing education. This is unacceptable and reflects a catastrophic failure of governance.
The Association is deeply troubled by what appears to be the lack of decisive and forceful leadership from the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in confronting terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers who have turned vast parts of the country into killing fields and ransom economies.
Equally worrisome is the inertia of the National Assembly of Nigeria, which has failed to enact a robust and time-bound legal framework to address kidnapping as a national emergency. Why has there been no urgency to pass comprehensive legislation that ensures swift justice for kidnappers? Why are trials prolonged endlessly while victims suffer and perpetrators regroup?
HURIWA raises critical questions that reflect the growing frustration of Nigerians: Are there powerful individuals within the political class shielding or benefiting from kidnapping networks? Why have security and financial intelligence agencies such as the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission not aggressively tracked the financial flows associated with ransom payments, which often run into millions and even billions of naira?
Kidnapping has become a structured criminal enterprise. Until its financial architecture is dismantled, it will continue to thrive.
HURIWA therefore calls for urgent and coordinated national action, including:
The establishment of special anti-kidnapping courts with expedited timelines to ensure swift justice.
A comprehensive financial surveillance regime targeting ransom payments and illicit cash flows.
The creation of a national joint task force integrating all security agencies for rapid response and intelligence-led operations.
Immediate security reinforcement of major highways and known flashpoints across the country.
Decentralisation of national examinations to reduce the need for vulnerable long-distance travel by students.
Deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, including biometric tracking and facial recognition systems.
Institutional support systems for victims and their families, including trauma care and financial assistance.
Concrete, measurable security benchmarks to be met by all levels of government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria cannot continue on this trajectory. The torture of a young student and the abduction of examination candidates must serve as a wake-up call. The protection of lives is the primary responsibility of government, and failure in this regard erodes the legitimacy of the state.
HURIWA insists that this moment demands courage, urgency, and accountability—not silence, excuses, or delay.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

As the recruitment of youths into the Nigeria Police Force continues across the country, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has called on all stakeholders like traditional leaders, communities, and institutions, to support the process and encourage eligible youths to participate with sincerity and patriotism.

Gaidam, who made the call while receiving feedback from the field officers, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing recruitment exercise for its orderly and transparent nature across the country.

“Nigeria’s path to a safer, more secure future is being steadily strengthened through deliberate reforms and renewed commitment to nation-building. At the heart of this progress is the ongoing nationwide police recruitment screening exercise, an initiative that reflects both hope and responsibility for thousands of young Nigerians,” he said.

The minister, according to a statement by his Special Assistant, Lima Goje, described the process as not just a routine exercise, but a critical step toward rebuilding public trust and enhancing the operational capacity of the Police Force, and therefore, urged all participants to remain law-abiding, disciplined, and patient.

He explained that integrity and respect for due process are as important as physical and academic qualifications, noting that the future of policing in Nigeria depends largely on the character and commitment of those who wear the uniform.

“This is more than recruitment; it is a call to national service,” he stated, adding that “Nigeria needs men and women of honor, individuals who understand that security is the foundation upon which development and prosperity are built.”

Commending President Bola Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 50,000 police personnel, he said this demonstrates a clear resolve to address longstanding gaps in manpower while repositioning the Police Force to meet modern security challenges.

Gaidam noted that beyond numbers, the current administration is focused on meaningful reform—transforming policing into a more professional, accountable, and citizen-centered institution.

He added that from improved training frameworks to enhanced welfare and operational support, the reform agenda signals a new era for law enforcement in Nigeria.

The minister declared that “the ongoing recruitment exercise, therefore, stands as a symbol of renewed hope—a bridge between the present challenges and a future where communities feel safer, justice is more accessible, and the rule of law is upheld without compromise.”