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NSCDC arrest two alleged illegal miners with 600 bags of kaolin in Anambra

Two suspects identified as Madueke Akpuchukwu, 53, and Chimezie Ezenduka, 54 have been arrested with truckload of alleged illegally mined solid mineral (Kaolin) in Anambra State.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of National Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC at Igbariam area of Anambra while conveying the 600 bags of solid Kaolin) without relevant permit.

The suspect allegedly covered the 600 bags of Kaolin with tarpaulin to disguise them as cement consignment, the Commandant of NSCDC in Anambra, Olatunde Maku said

He spoke while parading the suspects on Wednesday in Awka.

According to him, they were arrested on Tuesday following credible intelligence.

Maku said his team arrested Madueke Akpuchukwu, 53, from Awomama in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State and Chimezie Ezenduka, 54, of No 4 Mekus Drive Federal Housing, Onitsha.

He said the suspects were arrested at Igbariam while conveying suspected 600 bags of solid mineral (Kaolin) without relevant permit.

“Preliminary investigations showed that a 40-ton truck, with no registration number, was loaded with 600 bags of Kaolin and covered with tarpaulin to disguise as cement consignment.

“The solid minerals, valued at N20,204, 400, was excavated around a sealed site at Nando in Anambra East Local Government Area and being transported outside the state without waybill or licence,” he said.

Maku said that illegal mining had been prohibited in Anambra under Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to block revenue leakage.

According to him, NSCDC will continue to check the activities of illegal mining across the state.

“The Corps will be unrelenting in discharging its core mandate of checkmating and flushing out illegal miners from the state.

“They should either relocate from the state or stop immediately before the long arm of the law catches up with them.

“These suspects will be arraigned in court at the end of ongoing investigations,” he said.

The Commandant urged residents to report illegal mining activities within their domains and unlawful mineral related practices and environmental degradation for prompt response.

One of the suspects, Akpuchukwu, admitted that he has been in the business of transporting Kaolin to companies for eight years without any certification as a licensed miner.

(NAN)

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2025 Budget: N4.5trn additional revenue will support economic diversification – Minister

APC Presidential Primary Most Competitive, Peaceful In Nigeria’s Democracy, Buhari Commends Bagudu

Sen Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue in the 2025 budget would support the diversification programme of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The minister said this while speaking to State House Correspondents on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bagudu said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue would be used to strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects.

“You will recall Mr President submitted a N49 trillion budget to the National Assembly and legislative work commenced.

“The legislative work continued with interactions between the executive and the National Assembly, and the National Assembly and the Economic Management Team continued to interrogate all the figures.

“In that process, the Senate Committees on Appropriation, National Planning and Finance established that we can generate more revenue by tasking all the institutions to do more,” said the minister.

He said the Federal Inland Revenue Service confirmed that the government-owned enterprises as well as the Customs Service could contribute more revenue.

“So, additional revenue amounting to over N4.5 trillion was established, and this was taken to the President.

“He guided that this additional revenue be used to further strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects,” said Bagudu.

On the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) adjustment, he said, even when the budget was submitted, the MTEF was amended.

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Tinubu directs security and intelligence agencies to harmonize operations to combat security challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Security and Intelligent Agencies to harmonize their operations and adopt a whole of society approach in combating evolving Security challenges.

Mr. President underscored the critical importance of joint security operational effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s emerging security challenges.

President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar gave the charge at the opening session of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference held at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The President commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He noted that this year’s conference theme, “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” aligns seamlessly with his administration’s strategic vision for a more secured Nigeria.

“This forum is expedient and timely especially at this time where the security landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. Such a landscape undoubtedly requires us to harmonize our efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that can decisively address the security threats,“ he stated.

President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security organizations to maximize operational efficiency. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and all security agencies, and further highlighted the importance of continuous strategy re-evaluation, the integration of emerging technologies, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.

“I therefore urge you to holistically explore,in detail,the concept of jointness, while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation. I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,“ he emphasized.

President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and all officers and personnel of the Armed Forces for organizing the conference. He reiterated his administration’s full support for Nigeria’s security forces.

In conclusion, President Tinubu wished the participants fruitful deliberations, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the conference will significantly contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.

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Gov. Lawal mourns 17 students who died in Zamfara fire tragedy

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his condolences to the families of the 17 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Almajiri School in Zamfara State.

At least 17 students have tragically lost their lives due to a fire at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA of the state.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the fire incident as highly unfortunate.

“I’m heartbroken by the tragic fire on Tuesday at Makarantar Mallam Ghali, an Almajiri School located in the Kauran Namoda local government area.

“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls.

“During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families as they navigate this difficult period. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

“As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying causes of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future.

“We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”

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