馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Federal Government backs Mining Marshals, warns illegal miners
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal Government has expressed confidence in the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, commending their service in combating illegal mining. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, praised the marshals during the inauguration of eight new gun trucks at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. He highlighted their commitment to sanitizing the solid minerals sector and maximizing its contribution to national economic growth. The Minister warned individuals and groups attempting to undermine the marshals' operations, stating they would face legal consequences. He noted that those opposing the marshals often benefit from illicit mining, which deprives the nation of revenue. Alake affirmed the Federal Government's unwavering support, promising resources and institutional backing. He declared that anyone obstructing the marshals' work would be considered an economic saboteur. The new gun trucks aim to strengthen the unit's operational capacity to dismantle illegal mining sites and secure mineral assets. Alake reiterated President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector for economic diversification and urged stakeholders, traditional institutions, host communities, and security agencies to support the Mining Marshals. He warned that aiding illegal mining would lead to investigation and prosecution.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Nigerian community in Poland has welcomed Nigeria's Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, at a reception held in Warsaw. The community pledged full support for her mission and expressed optimism that her tenure will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Nigeria and Poland. Adekunle Ayoola, Chairman of the APC Support Group and leader of the City Boy Movement in Poland, congratulated Ohakim, noting her public service record and leadership. He stated that the community is confident she will enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, and cultural exchanges, and foster unity among Nigerians in Poland. Dr. Emanuel Kalejaiye, Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Community in Poland, highlighted the strong bond between the embassy and the Nigerian community, which has existed for over four decades. He affirmed the diaspora's commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and partnership for Nigeria's development and the welfare of Nigerians in Poland, also thanking the Polish government for its hospitality. Ohakim, a lawyer, thanked the community for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations, calling for their support and cooperation. The event was attended by former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, leaders of Nigerian organizations in Poland, and members of the Nigerian diaspora community.
BreakingAt least 50 Malian soldiers were killed and 24 taken prisoner in an attack by Tuareg separatists and jihadists on Saturday as they departed the northern town of Anefis. The attack targeted an army convoy and was claimed by the Tuareg separatist FLA and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM. A local elected official, close to the ruling junta, described it as the deadliest attack on the Malian army in years. An army source indicated that some soldiers were executed and an investigation is underway into tactical failures. Russian paramilitaries, who had been supporting the army, had already reached their destination in Gao and did not suffer any casualties. The Malian army acknowledged the ambush by "terrorist armed groups" but did not provide casualty figures at the time. Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021, with the junta facing challenges in restoring security amidst ongoing unrest.
BreakingKuwait and Bahrain's militaries reported on Sunday that they were responding to Iranian aerial attacks, with air raid sirens sounding in both Gulf countries. Kuwait's army stated its air defenses were confronting missile and drone attacks following what it described as "sinful Iranian aggression." In Bahrain, the military announced its air defenses "confronted, intercepted, and destroyed a number of treacherous Iranian aerial attacks," with blasts heard in the north and a warning siren in the capital, Manama. Iran's army claimed responsibility for targeting two US bases in Kuwait with drones in response to American attacks on Iranian territory. State media reported Iran carried out "large-scale attacks with kamikaze drones against the US military's ammunition depot at Camp Udairi and the Patriot radar system and air surveillance radar at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait." Both Kuwait and Bahrain, hosts to US military installations, have experienced Iranian attacks on their Gulf neighbors since hostilities resumed this month. Kuwait previously reported that Iran struck a power and water plant and an oil facility. Central Command CENTCOM stated that two service members were killed on Friday while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks, with another service member still missing.