Category: Security

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Impact of Illegal Miners on African Insecurity

The Impact of Illegal Miners on African Insecurity


Illegal mining activities pose significant threats to communities across Africa, contributing to insecurity, environmental degradation, and social challenges. Nigeria is among the countries experiencing such impacts.

Impacts of Illegal Mining

  1. Displacement and cultural disruption: Communities face forced removals affecting traditional ways of life.
  2. Environmental harm: Mining can contaminate water, cause soil erosion, and damage ecosystems vital for local livelihoods.
  3. Violence and insecurity: Illegal miners often use coercive tactics leading to fear, displacement, and human rights concerns.
  4. Health risks: Exposure to pollutants from mining affects community health.

Factors Contributing to Illegal Mining

  • Weak regulatory frameworks: Gaps in laws and enforcement enable illegal activities.
  • Corruption: Can facilitate unauthorized mining operations.
  • Economic drivers: Demand for minerals and poverty fuel illegal mining.
  • Lack of alternatives: Economic pressures push communities toward tolerating or engaging in illegal mining.

Context in Nigeria and Africa

  • Niger Delta oil conflicts in Nigeria highlight longstanding issues over resource extraction.
  • Artisanal and illegal mining of minerals like gold, tin pose environmental and security challenges across Africa.

Empowering Communities

  • Resource mapping helps communities anticipate threats.
  • Awareness and education inform communities about risks and rights.
  • Community engagement in decision-making can lead to more equitable outcomes.
  • Collaboration with authorities supports regulation and protection.

Advice for Community Leaders

  1. Identify local resources and assess risks.
  2. Build partnerships with NGOs, government, and stakeholders.
  3. Develop plans for protecting resources and safety.
  4. Promote practices balancing economic needs with environmental and social protection.

Challenges and Examples

  • Community-based natural resource management shows approaches empowering locals.
  • Transparency initiatives like EITI promote accountability in extractives.
  • Challenges include capacity constraints, security risks, and balancing competing interests.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Kwara Governor’s Lavish Spending Raises Eyebrows Amid Rising Insecurity

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has purchased a N400 million property on AbdulRazaq Road in Ilorin, demolished it, and commenced construction of a new retirement home amidst escalating insecurity in the state. The property, acquired from Chief Olusola Adekanola, a prominent chartered accountant, is situated in an area known for housing prominent political figures, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Details of the Property:

– Location: AbdulRazaq Road, Ilorin, Kwara State
– Property Value: N400 million
– Project Status: Demolition completed, new retirement home under construction

Reactions and Concerns:

– Residents have expressed frustration and fear due to the insecurity, with many abandoning their homes and farms.
– Some have questioned the allocation of funds for the governor’s personal project while insecurity persists.
– The project has raised concerns about the use of state resources for personal interests rather than public needs.

Governor’s Priorities:

– Despite the growing insecurity in the state, Governor AbdulRazaq appears to be focused on developing luxury private residences.
– The governor has reportedly rebuilt roads around AbdulRazaq Road, transforming the neighborhood into an exclusive enclave for political elites.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing Nigerian-American Boxer

Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing Nigerian-American Boxer

A Maryland man has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years for the murder of a Nigerian-American boxer. Nicholas Francis Giroux, 37, of Odenton, Maryland, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in February 2025 and received the sentence for killing 27-year-old Isaiah Olugbemi.

The incident

Olugbemi, a rising boxer and amateur fighter, was shot multiple times in Anne Arundel County. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The incident shocked the community and left many in mourning.

The sentence

Giroux’s sentence reflects the severity of the crime. He was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years, ensuring that he will spend a significant amount of time behind bars for his actions.

Remembering Isaiah Olugbemi

Isaiah Olugbemi was a talented young boxer with a promising career ahead of him. His death is a tragic loss for the community, and his legacy will be remembered by those who knew him.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and the devastating consequences of violence.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Corruption in the Judiciary: A Threat to Democracy and Economic Growth

Corruption in the judiciary is a big problem for Nigeria’s democracy. When the judiciary is corrupt, it undermines the rule of law and makes people lose trust in institutions. This creates uncertainty for businesses and deters investors from coming to Nigeria.

The Impact on Investment

The Nigerian government has spent a lot of money to attract investors, but it’s not working. Corruption in the judiciary is a major turn-off for investors. They want a stable and predictable business environment, but without a functional and impartial judiciary, they’re hesitant to invest.

The Burden on the Poor

Corruption in the judiciary also hurts the poor and vulnerable. The judicial system is supposed to help people, but it’s become a source of fear and oppression. The rich and powerful exploit this system to cheat and oppress the poor. They cheat the poor and then tell them to go to court, knowing the poor can’t afford justice and the judgment can be bought.

The Need for Reform

To fix this, Nigeria needs to reform its judiciary. This means:

  • Making the judiciary stronger and more independent
  • Improving transparency and accountability
  • Appointing judges based on merit, not connections

Conclusion

Corruption in the judiciary is a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and economy. To attract investors and promote growth, Nigeria needs to prioritize judicial reform. Only then can the judiciary serve as a true bastion of hope for the common man.

Posted on by — 9 Comments

Kwara Scandal: King of Alabe, His Queen Caught With ₦120m Loot — Linked to Banditry; King of Babanla, Queens Also Arrested

Kwara Scandal: King of Alabe, His Queen Caught With ₦120m Loot — Linked to Banditry; King of Babanla, Queens Also Arrested

The shocking truth has finally come out in Kwara State. The King of Alabe and his Queen were arrested after security operatives stormed their palace. During the search, over ₦90 million in cash was discovered in the king’s residence, while investigators also traced over ₦30 million hidden in his wife’s account.

All the money has been linked directly to the kidnappings and banditry terrorizing the region. The royal couple was immediately taken into custody for further investigation.

Not only that another monarch, the King of Babanla, alongside his queens, was also arrested for allegedly having a hand in the same criminal activities.

For years, fingers have been pointed at Fulani herders for every crime, but this shocking revelation has now exposed how some so-called “community leaders” are the real faces behind the banditry bleeding the land

Posted on by — 6 Comments

How Kwara State Government is Promoting Poverty in the State

Comrade Sulaiman A. O.

A Concerned Citizen


The Nigerian government has implemented policies that have led to the removal of subsidies on essential goods and services, such as fuel, electricity, and education. This has resulted in a significant increase in the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians, including those in Kwara State. The devaluation of the naira has also contributed to the economic hardship faced by many citizens.

The Impact on Citizens in Kwara State

The removal of subsidies and the devaluation of the naira have led to a situation where many Kwara State residents are struggling to make ends meet. The cost of living has increased significantly, and many citizens are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education.

The Kwara State Government’s Response

The federal government has been returning a significant portion of the revenue generated from the removal of subsidies to state governments, including Kwara State. However, the Kwara State government has failed to prioritize human capacity development and instead focus on infrastructure development projects. This has further exacerbated the poverty situation in the state.

The Need for a Different Approach

The Kwara State government needs to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, rather than competing with the private sector. By investing in unique businesses that solve problems for entrepreneurs, such as producing machines, tools, and raw materials, the government can support the growth of the private sector and create jobs for citizens.

Solutions to Poverty in Kwara State

The Kwara State government should:

1. Invest in Human Capacity Development: Invest in education, healthcare, and skills development programs to empower citizens with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the economy.
2. Create an Enabling Business Environment: Create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive by providing support for entrepreneurs, reducing bureaucracy, and providing access to finance.
3. Support Entrepreneurship: Support entrepreneurship by providing training, mentorship, and access to finance for start-ups and small businesses.
4. Invest in Infrastructure: Invest in infrastructure development projects that support economic growth and development, such as roads, transportation systems, and energy infrastructure.
5. Invest in Security: Invest in security measures to protect lives and property, and create a safe environment for businesses to operate.

By taking these steps, the Kwara State government will help reduce poverty and create a more prosperous and equitable society for its citizens. The government should also work with private sector partners, civil society organizations, and international development agencies to support poverty reduction efforts in the state.

Conclusion

The poverty situation in Kwara State is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. The Kwara State government has a critical role to play in addressing this challenge by prioritizing human capacity development, creating an enabling business environment, supporting entrepreneurship, investing in infrastructure, and investing in security. By working together, the government and citizens will build a more prosperous and equitable society for all.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Joint Task Force North East Achieves Successes Against Terrorist Groups

Joint Task Force North East Achieves Successes Against Terrorist Groups

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has indeed achieved significant successes against Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno and Yobe States. Here are some key highlights:
Recent Operations: On August 22, 2025, troops from the 21 Special Armoured Brigade repelled a large-scale night attack on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kumshe, Borno State, killing over 20 terrorists and recovering several weapons.
Neutralization of Terrorists: On August 23, 2025, Sector 2 troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a long-range tactical operation around Ndoksa, near Buni Gari in Yobe State, neutralizing additional terrorists and recovering one AK-47 rifle and two motorcycles.
Recovery of Arms: The operations have resulted in the recovery of various arms, including AK-47 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, and motorcycles.
Disruption of Terrorist Logistics: The coordinated offensives have denied the terrorists freedom of movement, degraded their firepower, and disrupted their logistics network within the region.
Military Commendation: The military high command has commended the troops for their exceptional performance and urged them to maintain the momentum of their offensive actions.

These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of the OPHK’s counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NDLEA Seizes Over 1.2 Tons of Cannabis on Ajase-Ipo/Ilorin Highway

NDLEA Seizes Over 1.2 Tons of Cannabis on Ajase-Ipo/Ilorin Highway

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest and seizure of 1.231 tons, 328.42kg, and 728.21kg of cannabis sativa along the Ajase-Ipo/Ilorin Highway.

The operation is part of the ongoing collaboration between the NDLEA and the Kwara State Government to curb crime and criminality in the state. According to the agency, most bandits and kidnappers rely heavily on drugs to carry out their operations, hence the intensified clampdown on illicit substances

Credit: SA Drug Abuse , Protection a d Control to Kwara Gov , Hon Mikael Olamilekan

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Former Chief of Army Staff Calls for Nationwide Mobilization to Combat Insecurity

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called for a nationwide mobilization strategy to combat insecurity in Nigeria, similar to the approach taken during the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Buratai, insecurity should be treated as a national crisis requiring collective sacrifice and a long-term plan.

The call comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating security conditions in the country. In the first six weeks of 2025, Nigeria lost 805 lives to violence and insecurity across the country. Some of the incidents include¹:
– 70 terrorists killed in Borno
– 22 soldiers killed in a Jihadist suicide attack in Maiduguri, Borno State
– 21 persons killed in Katsina State during an attack on a joint team of Katsina State Community Watch Corps and vigilante members
– 40 farmers killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Dumba community, Baga, Kukawa LGA of Borno State

Buratai emphasized that defeating insurgents requires more than military operations, urging citizens to be mobilized psychologically through social media, the press, and community-driven initiatives. He stressed the need for a long-term plan and collective effort to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.

Key Challenges:

– Insecurity: Nigeria faces numerous security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and cybercrime, which pose a significant threat to national stability and development.
– Economic Impact: Insecurity has severe and far-reaching consequences for the economy of affected areas, directly impacting economic activities and development in the region.
– Displacement and Trauma: Many Nigerians have been forced out of their homes and communities due to violence and attacks, with over 2 million people displaced. Constant news of killings and attacks induces fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in citizens.² ³

Possible Solutions:

– Nationwide Mobilization: Buratai suggested that the government adopt a lockdown strategy to identify and neutralize terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers terrorizing communities nationwide.
– Community Involvement: He highlighted the importance of community involvement, citing the example of nationwide support during the Maiduguri flood disaster.
– Long-term Plan: Buratai emphasized the need for a long-term plan to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.
– Improved Security Surveillance: Improving security surveillance nationwide and ensuring swift prosecution of perpetrators can help prevent attacks.
– Promoting Dialogue: Promoting dialogue between farmers and herdsmen can help reduce conflicts and improve security in vulnerable communities.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud

Nigeria Deports 51 More Foreigners for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud



The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have repatriated 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The deportees include 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, bringing the total number of deported convicts to 102 since the exercise began on August 15, 2025.

These individuals were part of a larger group of 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation targeting a major foreign-led cybercrime syndicate. The EFCC has stated that further deportations are scheduled in the coming days as part of an intensified crackdown on transnational cybercrime.

The deported individuals had completed their prison sentences handed down by the Federal High Court in Lagos before being handed over to immigration authorities for repatriation. The EFCC emphasized that this operation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global cybercrime syndicates and protecting its digital space.

Key Details:
– Number of Deportees: 102 foreign nationals deported since August 15, 2025
– Nationalities: 50 Chinese and one Tunisian in the latest batch
– Crimes: Cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, including romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes
– Arrests: 192 foreign nationals arrested in Lagos during a sting operation
– Future Plans: Further deportations scheduled as court processes for remaining suspects are concluded.