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Alake announced that over the course of eight months, Mining Marshals have apprehended 300 illegal miners.
In a significant development for Nigeria’s mining industry, the government has arrested nearly 300 illegal miners over the past eight months, following the establishment of the Mining Marshals. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this announcement during a recent briefing with the House Committee on Solid Minerals, where he underscored the ongoing efforts to combat unauthorized mining activities rampant across the nation.
The Mining Marshals, inaugurated in March 2024, represent a strategic initiative aimed at securing Nigeria’s mining sites. This specialized security force, under the leadership of Abubakar Audi, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was formed to address the alarming prevalence of illegal mining and its associated challenges.
Minister Alake emphasized that the deployment of over 2,000 trained marshals has resulted in a marked decrease in unauthorized mining activities. The apprehension of nearly 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals, highlights the effectiveness of this initiative in restoring order to a sector that has long been characterized by chaos and exploitation.
“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact on our mining landscape,” stated Alake. “Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites not only enhances national stability but also serves as an invitation to investors seeking reliable partnerships.”
Furthermore, Alake noted that a stronger focus on in-country mineral processing and value addition will enable Nigeria to retain more wealth from its natural resources, marking a shift away from a heavy reliance on raw exports. This proactive approach is also part of a broader vision for the African continent, exemplified by the formation of the African Mineral Strategy Group, which aims to bolster the mining sector across Africa.
In conclusion, the steps taken by the Nigerian government in establishing the Mining Marshals are indicative of a robust effort to enhance security, curb illegal activities, and foster an environment conducive to sustainable investment in the mining industry.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
