By Jude Onyenedogha

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Dr. Chinyere  Ekomaru, yesterday received in courtesy, at her office in Government House, members of the Association of Private Surveyors of Nigeria, APSN, who honoured her with an Award of Excellence.

The Deputy Governor while appreciating the award, noted that gratitude is everything in life, urging the group to remain exemplary.

She assured that the Shared Prosperity Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma remains committed to working with professional bodies, such as the Private Surveyors Association.

According to the number two citizen, “Surveyors are among those who open up new areas for development, and their services can also play a vital role in addressing insecurity in the society.”

“The Governor and Government of Imo state, hold them in high regards and would continue to support them in opening new frontiers of development and their efforts in settling boundary disputes”.

She however, charged members of the association to be transparent and accountable in their dealings with members of the society at all times, emphasizing that accountability and honesty remain key drivers of development.

In conclusion, the Deputy Governor reiterated the State Government’s resolve for a continued support to the association and a  partnership that guarantees the good of the people.

In his earlier address, the Chairman and leader of the group, Surveyor Ekene Ezeonyeasi, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for always standing firm with them, especially, honouring their last annual event with her presence.

Surveyor Ezeonyeasi described the Deputy Governor’s friendly gesture towards them as a clear demonstration of Government’s readiness to partnering with professional bodies in the state.

He reaffirmed the association’s willingness to collaborate with the 3R administration at all times in order to promote development across the state.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an Award of honour to the Deputy Governor as “A Distinguished Friend of Private Surveyors in Imo State”, in appreciation of her goodwill and responsiveness as a Deputy Governor.

Principal Secretary (Covering Duties) Office of the Deputy Governor, Pst. Chris Akushie, Director of Administration and Finance, Dr (Mrs) Linda Ogbu, Director of Account, Mrs. Kate Okorie, among others were present at the visit.

ARISE News Channel’s ‘The Morning Show’ anchor, Rufai Oseni, has alleged that there was a politically motivated attempt to silence him by bringing down his Facebook account, describing the move as “malicious.”

In a post shared on his verified Facebook page yesterday, Oseni called on his supporters to take action against what he termed an orchestrated attempt to silence him.

“I need 50,000 people to write to tell Facebook that the attempt to bring my Facebook down is politically motivated and malicious,” he wrote.

The popular broadcaster, known for his outspoken commentary on national issues, added a rallying call to his followers, saying, “Let’s do it.”

Oseni further alleged that the attacks against his social media presence were part of a broader effort to suppress his voice. “They want to silence me,” he declared.

The reports said that Oseni, one of ARISE News anchors, has been vocal on issues of governance, accountability, and civic responsibility, often drawing both praise and criticism for his forthright opinions.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposed directive, which mandates banks to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine transactions within 48 hours.

In a statement yesterday signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission described the CBN’s Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria as a timely and long-awaited intervention that aligns with ongoing efforts to protect consumers in the financial services sector.

The draft guideline, released last week, follows the FCCPC’s Consumer Complaints Data Report published in September 2025, which revealed that the banking and fintech industries accounted for the largest volume of consumer complaints nationwide.

The statement read, “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission welcomes the Central Bank of Nigeria’s draft guidelines requiring all banks to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine transactions within 48 hours.

“The exposure of the CBN’s Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria follows the FCCPC’s Consumer Complaints Data Report published in September 2025.

According to the report, more than 3,000 complaints were recorded against banks between March and August 2025, with the Commission facilitating the recovery of over N10bn for consumers across 30 sectors.

The findings highlighted recurring issues such as failed transactions, unauthorised deductions, and prolonged refund delays, the very challenges the new CBN policy seeks to resolve.

“The report, which covered the period from March to August 2025, showed that the banking and fintech sectors accounted for the highest number of complaints nationwide, over 3,000 cases in banking alone, with about ₦10 billion recovered for customers across 30 sectors. The findings highlighted recurring issues such as failed transactions, unauthorised deductions, and delayed refunds, all of which the CBN draft guidelines seek to address,” the statement added.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, hailed the CBN’s move as “a timely and long-awaited correction to a persistent consumer challenge.”

“It is consistent with what the FCCPC has been advocating, given the volume of complaints we receive about failed transactions. We commend the CBN for this decisive step, which will ease the burden on consumers and rebuild trust in financial services,” Bello said. He added that the initiative demonstrates improved coordination among regulatory agencies committed to consumer welfare, even at the draft stage.

The FCCPC further noted that the CBN’s proposed directive aligns with several provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, particularly Sections 17(g), (h), (l), (s), and (t).

These sections empower the Commission to eliminate unfair practices, promote fair dealings, ensure the resolution of consumer complaints, safeguard consumer interests, and maintain the safety and reliability of goods and services offered in Nigeria.

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed November 14, 2025, to deliver judgment in a suit filed by a civil society organization, Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration, FREECON, challenging the legality of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

Other defendants in the suit include the Attorney General of the Federation, the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, and its Chairman, as well as the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, which was later joined in the matter.

Members of FREECON are asking the court to determine whether, by the combined reading and interpretation of Sections 197 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the President can, under any guise or circumstance, create or appoint a Sole Administrator or any other authority to assume or exercise the powers of the Governor in the appointment of the Chairman and members of RSIEC.

The group is also contending that, by the combined effect of the relevant sections of the Constitution, the appointment of Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, an office they claim is not recognized by the Constitution, does not confer on him the statutory power to appoint the RSIEC Chairman and members to organize or conduct elections across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

The presiding judge, Justice Turaki Mohammed, on Monday fixed the date for judgment after counsels representing the parties argued and adopted their final written addresses.

The 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the government of demolishing citizens’ property without notice, saying such an act is unlawful and insensitive.

In a post on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi said the action of the government is plunging Nigerians deeper into hardship.

The reports said that recently, some plazas were demolished at the trade fair complex in Ojo LGA of Lagos State.

The operation was said to have been carried out by officials of the Lagos ministry of physical planning, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.

The former Anambra Governor said the willful destruction of people’s homes, shops, and goods by government agencies remains deeply condemnable.

According to him, such actions were unacceptable, especially under an administration whose policies had pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty within 29 months.

Obi added that rather than compounding citizens’ hardship, the government should prioritise compassion and relief measures for struggling families.

“This is happening across the country at a time when the government is supposed to be lifting citizens out of poverty. Instead, it is plunging them deeper into hardship.

“These demolitions destroy livelihoods, undermine businesses, and threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens,” he wrote.

The Borno state Police command has arrested a mentally unstable woman for allegedly killing a fellow Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Monguno Local Government Area of the state.

This was revealed by security expert, Zagazola Makama on his X platform on Sunday.

According to Makama, the incident occurred on Friday, October 10, 2025, at about 4:35 p.m., when one Modu Kolomi of the RRR IDPs Camp reported that a woman, identified as 40-year-old Yagana Zara from the Water Board IDPs Camp, attacked his wife, Yagana Abba Butu, aged 30, with a wooden stirrer.

“The suspect, said to be mentally challenged, allegedly beat the victim severely, resulting in fatal internal injuries.

Security forces in Monguno promptly visited the scene, rescued the suspect from mob action, and evacuated the victim to the General Hospital, Monguno, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. The body was deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy and later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.” Makama wrote.

Makama added that the suspect has been transferred to Maiduguri, where she is undergoing mental evaluation at a state psychiatric facility, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has launched a detailed investigation into the incident.

Ogoni leaders, environmental activists, and community advocates have renewed calls on the United Nations to officially declare October 10 as Ken Saro-Wiwa Day to honour the late writer, environmentalist, and human rights defender. Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed on November 10, 1995, by the late General Sani Abacha’s military regime for his struggle against environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.

They made the call in a statement obtained in Uyo on Sunday after his 84th posthumous birthday celebration, which was held in his hometown, Bane, in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday

The event, organised by the Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation, drew participants from across the Niger Delta, civil society organisations, youth groups, and local communities who gathered to honour the memory of the Ogoni icon and to recommit themselves to the values he lived and died for.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation, Barry Wugale, emphasised the need for global recognition of Saro-Wiwa’s contributions to human rights and environmental justice.

He recalled that in 2005, during the 10th anniversary of Saro-Wiwa’s execution, the environmental community had made a similar call to the United Nations and said it was time for that demand to be renewed.

“Today, we are renewing that appeal, that the UN should set aside October 10 as Ken Saro-Wiwa Day to immortalise a man whose vision and sacrifice transcend borders,” Wugale said.

He explained that the Foundation operates on six thematic pillars, literacy and literature, activism through art, environmental renewal, the future economy, technology and innovation, and partnerships — all inspired by Saro-Wiwa’s ideals.

Wugale also revealed that the Foundation was working to revive the Ogoni leader’s unrealised dreams, including a community microfinance initiative for women and an international model secondary school in Bane.

“Saro-Wiwa believed that no Ogoni child should be left behind. He was a man who planned 20 years ahead of his time,” he noted. “We will ensure that his vision of education, environmental justice, and community-driven progress becomes reality.”

In his remarks, Comrade Lekia Christian, President of the Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence, described Ken Saro-Wiwa as a rare visionary whose works and intellectual courage continue to inspire resistance against oppression and injustice.

According to him, “Ken Saro-Wiwa was a man of ideas and conviction. He used the power of words and intellect to awaken a generation. Many of his books are still used by students and professionals across the world,” he said.

… As First Lady flags off menstrual hygiene initiative

By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe

A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. (Mrs.) Emily Akuabia Nzeribe, on Thursday, October 2, urged Imo State secondary school girls to always be conscious and positive towards their menstrual hygiene. She said that such would help them to build self-confidence, break barriers and to actualize their dreams.

Dr. Nzeribe, gave the charge at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Owerri, while featuring as the Guest Speaker during the launch of “Flow With Confidence” programme sponsored by the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marking the official distribution of sanitary pads to school girls accross the state.

With her lecture titled: “Understanding Menstrual Health and Hygiene” Dr. Nzeribe, explained that “Menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life for people with female reproductive systems,” adding that the physiological process in females lasts for 3-8 days in every 21-35 days, though varies for each person. According to her, such natural reoccurrence was a sign that the body is healthy and able to reproduce.

The healthcare provider, however, frowned that economic constraints, unhygienic practices, social and cultural misrepresentations pose significant threats to menstrual health management, as the girl-child is faced with stigmatization, risks of infection and infertility, as well as the inability to pursue her education and other goals.

She enjoined the participants drawn from various schools to embrace “Body Positivity” to be healthy, overcome challenges, and tasked them to be bold in addressing their menstrual health, including knowledge-sharing on best practices with mothers, sisters, teachers and health workers.

The medical practitioner, charged the students on hand-washing, genital area care, use of healthy sanitary pads and appropriate disposals to achieve better hygiene and body consciousness. She also recommended light exercise, stress reduction, warm water, heating pad, healthy food, water consumption and medical attention from qualified personnel for menstruating individuals.

Dr. Nzeribe, extolled Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Imo State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma for the intervention and other girl-child welfare initiatives in the country and the state. She advocated collaborative efforts  through targeted policies and fundings to create environments for girls, especially the vulnerable to manage their menstrual hygiene with confidence devoid of financial hardships.

In her address, Senator Tinubu, represented by Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, noted that the nationwide programme was to empower school girls with relevant knowledge on menstrual hygiene and to inspire them to pursue their goals with dignity and confidence. In addition, she disclosed that Imo State school girls would receive 10,000 packs of sanitary pads out of the 370,000 provided for states accross the country.

Barr. Uzodimma, described as unacceptable situations where menstruating girls especially in rural areas are deprived of access to education and other social activities because of menstrual problems, including inability to purchase sanitary pads, as she also decried unsafe menstrual practices. She added that the choice of the product was to provide a simple solution for the wellbeing of the participants.

The Imo First Lady, counseled the students to leverage the opportunity to improve their menstrual hygiene, and to pursue their dreams confidently, while urging local government officials and others to ensure a successful distribution of the sanitary pads. She challenged stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian girls are supported and encouraged “to live, to learn, to thrive and to Flow With Confidence.”

The event attended by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, former Imo State governor’s wife, Barr. Chioma Ohakim, state and local government officials, traditional rulers, party officials and various schools.

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has ordered Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine, ATM, transactions within 48 hours.

This directive is in a sweeping reform aimed at protecting consumers and restoring confidence in the banking system.

This is contained in a draft guideline released by the apex bank on Saturday, titled “Exposure of the Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria.”

The document signed by the Director of Payments System Policy Department, Musa I. Jimoh, was circulated to banks, payment service providers, card schemes, and independent ATM deployers, with a call for stakeholder feedback by October 31, 2025.

Under the draft, failed “on-us” transactions, where customers use their own bank’s ATM, must be reversed instantly. If technical glitches prevent immediate reversal, the bank is required to manually refund the customer within 24 hours.

For “not-on-us” transactions, involving other banks’ ATMs, refunds must be processed within 48 hours.

“Customers must not be made to suffer for failed transactions caused by system errors or network failures,” the circular stressed.

The apex bank also mandated banks and ATM acquirers to deploy technology that automatically reverses failed or partial transactions, removing the need for customers to lodge complaints.

It said that institutions holding customer funds due to failed disbursements must reconcile and return balances immediately.

The CBN said these measures respond to widespread frustration over delayed refunds and poor customer service and form part of a broader effort to enhance consumer protection, improve reliability, and modernise Nigeria’s payment infrastructure in line with global standards.

A lady caused stir at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday after fainting when she was involved in a flight after missing her flight.

The two sisters, both adults, reportedly booked to travel via a NG Eagle flight but they missed the flight after arriving the airport late.

This, however, led to a fight between the two sisters who reportedly scattered their bags and created a scene before the airport security intervened.

It was learnt that the two sisters were dragged to the interrogation office where they continued their scuffle and in the process, one of them fainted.

Spokesperson of the NCAA, Mr. Michael Achinmugu, confirmed the development in a post on his X handle.

However, he did not give further details on the sisters and the destination they were traveling to.

He said, “Calls were made for an ambulance to take her to the hospital, but her sister said that the problem is more spiritual than medical and, therefore, did not need a hospital.

“She is presently receiving attention at the FAAN clinic. Hopefully, she makes a recovery. This is not how things should be.”

Daily Trust reports that passengers travelling on a domestic flight are expected to arrive at the airport one hour before departure to complete the pre-departure formalities while for the international passengers, they are to arrive two hours before the flight.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced the commencement of a two-week ‘total strike’ and ordered its members to withdraw their services across the country, effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday.

ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday.

The development comes after the two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to address their long-standing demands expired.

Prof. Piwuna expressed dismay that nothing significant had happened since it issued the two-week ultimatum. “Government has been asking for time with nothing concrete on the ground to resolve it,” he said.

According to him, the decision to embark on the total strike was reached after several rounds of meetings with government representatives ended without any tangible commitment. He noted that the union had exhausted all avenues for dialogue and patience, emphasising that the strike action was the last resort to compel the government to fulfil its promises.

He further explained that the union had consistently shown restraint in order not to disrupt the academic calendar, but the government’s insensitivity had left them with no alternative.

“Consequently, all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight (12:01 a.m.) on Monday, 13 October 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting,” he said.

He also called on well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the media to prevail on the Federal Government to address the lingering issues once and for all. The union warned that unless concrete steps are taken within the two-week period, it will not hesitate to extend the strike indefinitely. “This struggle is not just for university lecturers; it is for the soul of public education in Nigeria,” Prof. Piwuna declared.

The seven-point demands include: re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement; sustainable funding of universities; revitalisation of universities; victimisation of ASUU members in Lagos State University (LASU), KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Others are outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears; promotion arrears for over four years; as well as third-party deductions.

Retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme have vowed to resume their protests on October 14 at the National Assembly, despite recent interventions by the Inspector General of Police and President Bola Tinubu.

The retirees have for years demanded their removal from the CPS and the creation of a dedicated Police Pension Board, similar to those enjoyed by the military and the Department of State Services.

In response to their protest in July, the IG, who decried the humiliating conditions of retirees under the scheme, said the police leadership had initiated efforts to augment the pension of retired officers and had presented its position to the National Assembly during the public hearing of the bill seeking to exempt the police from the scheme.

Also, on August 7, the president ordered the immediate implementation of overdue pension increases and the rollout of free healthcare access for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He also ordered PenCom to resolve the issue surrounding police pension.

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the leader of the aggrieved officers, CSP Mannir Lawal (retd.), said the retirees had grown frustrated over the continued delay in exiting the scheme, which he described as exploitative and unfair to members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We are coming out en masse again on October 14 at the National Assembly. An order was given by the President, but they are trying to moderate the CPS to attract our attention. But we have told them that no matter the adjustments, we don’t want to remain under it. We want a total exit and the establishment of the Nigerian Police Pension Board.”

He disclosed that the leadership of the National Pension Commission had met with the group, but the retirees insisted on their position.

“The PenCom boss met with us, and we made it clear that we don’t want to remain under the CPS. The Army, the DSS, and the NIA have all exited the scheme. Why are the police being treated differently? Did we commit a crime by serving as police officers?”

Lawal expressed frustration that many Nigerians were unaware of the difficulties facing retired officers under the scheme, describing it as a “scam.”

“People outside don’t know what is happening, but we inside know. The CPS is a scam—a real scam. We have been on this for over 15 years. We have written to Mr. President several times, but there has been no concrete response. We have been pushed to the wall.”

Lawal said the October 14 protest would continue until the government grants their demand for a full exit from the CPS and the creation of a dedicated Nigerian Police Pension Board.

The legal team of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), yesterday, has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the discontinuation of terrorism charges against the Biafran agitator.

Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara said Tinubu should discontinue Kanu’s trial so that he can continue with his Biafra agitation.

Opara disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Abuja Federal High Court on Wednesday.

According to Opara: “Now to the President, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, please, as a matter of urgency, direct the Attorney General to discontinue this one with charges.

“This charge is embarrassing Nigeria before the world, and the more they keep applying for adjournment, I know that they must have advised you, telling you that they don’t have a case.

“So in order to protect the integrity of Nigeria, please allow the judges to discontinue this particular charge.

“And so that Kanu can continue with this agitation, address all those issues that gave rise to the agitation, it will be able to come down, anything short of that, Nnamdi Kanu is expected to continue with the agitation.”

Opara warned Tinubu that those around his administration giving him ill-advice are making his government unpopular.

He said the Attorney General of the Federation will never tell Tinubu the truth.

“And all those people that are surrounding you, praising you, they are deceiving you, they are making your government unpopular.

“We are the people that are helping your government to tell you the truth. The Attorney General will not tell you the truth, of course. We are the people that will tell you the truth,” he said.

The House of Representatives, through its Ad-hoc Committee on illegal mining, has promised to recover the $9 billion lost annually to illicit mining activities across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee yedterday, the Chairman, Sanni Abdulraheem, said illegal mining not only constitutes an economic drain pipe to the nation.

To arrest the scourge, the federal government launched the mining marshals in 2024.

Their activities have culminated in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners in 10 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.

Additionally, 98 illegal mining sites spread across the country have been shut down.

“It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities. This theft of our resources that should be enriching our nation has gone on for far too long, and it is time to put an end to it,” Abdulraheem said.

According to him, the Committee is charged with blocking revenue leakages, enforcing transparency, and ensuring that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes fully to economic development.

“As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this Committee is to block the revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and its associated activities, which not only steal from our national treasury but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our national Internally Generated Revenue.

“Through structured oversight, we will strengthen revenue tracking mechanisms and ensure that the full benefits of Nigeria’s mining sector flow directly into government coffers, rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.

“Equally important is the issue of criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities not only fuel insecurity, but they also lead to the pollution of our waterways, the degradation of our forests, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. This is a matter of national urgency to tackle these issues head-on,” he added.

Stressing that the lower chamber would leave no stone unturned, he said the committee stands firmly on the constitutional mandate entrusted to it by Nigerians.

While pledging the readiness of the parliament to deal decisively with anyone found to be involved in illegal mining, the Committee chairman urged citizens to expose criminals in their midst in the interest of the nation.

“We are committed to fulfilling our oversight responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to expose corruption in any form, curb malpractices, and ensure that our resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“It is through such diligent oversight that we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the well-being of our citizens. Through the powers granted to us, we will investigate, gather evidence, and propose actionable solutions that will restore sanity and accountability to Nigeria’s mining sector,” he added.

On the Ajaokuta Steel Company, he assured that the Tinubu-led administration has shown leadership and willingness to revive the national asset.

“For many years, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealised potential. However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfil its true promise. The current administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate this critical national asset.

“This is reflected in the appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival, a move that gives us hope for the future of Nigeria’s steel industry. With Ajaokuta poised for success, we are looking at not just an economic game-changer but a cornerstone for our industrialisation, job creation, and long-term economic growth,” he said.

Representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commander of Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, assured the committee of the Corps’ full cooperation.

Onoja disclosed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, the NSCDC has arrested over 500 illegal miners, with about 270 currently facing trial.

“I want to say very quickly that over 500 illegal miners have been arrested in the course of this operation. And this particular number that we are talking about, about 270 others are currently facing trial as we speak today.

“Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps, as an agency, is assuring this Honourable Committee of our maximum cooperation, maximum support where necessary to ensure that this all-important tax is achieved,” he stated