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‘SWAT’ Replaces ‘SARS’: Stakeholders Okay 5-point Demand of Protesters; IGP Summons All SARS Operatives To Abuja

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It took flaring tempers, the death of protesters and policemen, but finally, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.

But he has, again, set up another group, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit to replace the inglorious SARS. Members of the SWAT unit will undergo psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment

According to a statement by Force Headquarters spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police Frank Mba, Adamu acted with his rights in accordance with Section 18 (10) of the Police Act 2020.

Mba adds, “The officers are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.

The medical examination will be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU), a Unit, which henceforth shall engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of officers of the Force deployed for tactical operations and other duties.

“The Unit, which is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer, has its membership drawn from amongst psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, Public Relations practitioners, Civil Society and other Human Rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.

“Meanwhile, the IGP has set up a new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team that will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.

“Prospective members of this new team will also undergo psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment. They are to commence training at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week.

“While personnel from the Police Commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State, those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, respectively.

EndSARS demonstrators in Port Harcourt


“While reaffirming his irrevocable commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the Police reforms, the IGP enjoins members of the public, particularly protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition and engender a Police Force that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.”

Earlier, Adamu convened a meeting with stakeholders, agreeing to meet #EndSARS protesters’ demands.

According to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, the new initiatives followed directives by President Muhammadu Buhari on dissolution of Special Anti-Robbery Squad and immediate response to yearnings of citizens

One of the demands acceded to by the stakeholders meeting include halting use of force against protesters and the unconditional release of arrested citizens.

The demands, according to a statement by Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, include halting use of force against protesters and unconditional release of arrested citizens.

The meeting, organized by the Office of the Inspector General of Police and National Human Rights Commission, was a multi-stakeholders’ forum attended by leaders and representatives of civil society organisations in Nigeria, activists from the entertainment industry and the #EndSARS movement and development partners.

The Ministry of Police Affairs and Police Service Commission were also present at the meeting that affirmed that the five-point demands of the protesters and the #EndSARS movement are genuine concerns and will be addressed by the Government.

A communiqué of the Stakeholders’ Meeting said:

“Following the public protests regarding various forms of human rights violations by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the consequent disbandment of the unit by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, there arose the need for stakeholders engagement to build trust and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

“The agitations also brought to the fore, the need to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

“The Forum was addressed by the Inspector General of Police and the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.

“The Forum collectively: welcomed the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; reaffirmed the constitutional rights of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and protest; further affirmed the sanctity of life of every Nigerian and the role of the Police in protecting this right; affirms that the five-point demands of the protesters and the #EndSARS movement are genuine concerns and will be addressed by the Government.’’

According to the communiqué signed by the Inspector General of Police and Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, Esq, the Forum noted that the dissolution of SARS presents an opportunity to embark on comprehensive reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Police Force as a modern, responsive and citizens-centred law enforcement organisation.

“The Forum further notes that the proposed reforms should be anchored under the basis of the White Paper on the Report of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad which was jointly authored by the National Human Rights Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Forum affirms that reform proposals for the Nigerian Police Force will be based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and existing legislations such as the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2010 amongst others.

“Following the dissolution of SARS, the Forum calls for the following immediate steps to be taken in restoring public confidence and trust in the Police:

▪︎ An order by the Inspector General of Police to all State Commands to halt the use of force against protesters;

▪︎ Unconditional release of arrested protesters and citizens;

▪︎Open communication and outreach to citizens to establish trust and confidence and;

▪︎ roadmap for the implementation of the White Paper of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the SARS.

“The Forum welcomed the proposal to set up an Independent Investigation Panel to look into the violations of human rights by the defunct SARS and other segments of the Nigerian Police. The Forum agrees to the setting up of this Independent Panel by the National Human Rights Commission within the next one week. An open call for Memoranda from members of the public whose rights have been violated by the defunct SARS and other segments of the Police will be released by the Commission within one week.

“The Forum recommends the psychological evaluation, training and retraining of disbanded SARS officials prior to re-deployment.

“The Forum resolves to set up the following Technical Sub-Committees to design an implementation roadmap and work plan for the implementation of the White Paper: Training, Capacity and Re-orientation; Logistics: Infrastructure, Communications and Technology; Arrest, Detention, and Investigations; Regulations, Oversight and Accountability and Financing and Partnerships.’’

The communiqué stated that the sub-Committees will be supported by the National Human Rights Commission and other civil society
(Source: Everyday Nigeria)

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TINUBU EULOGISES ARCHBISHOP JOHNPRAISE DANIEL AT 65

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By Ojone Grace Odaudu

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Archbishop Johnpraise Daniel, the presiding Bishop of the Dominion Chapel International Church, on his 65th birthday on May 2.

The President has also commended Archbishop Daniel’s contributions to nation-building, peace and unity in his current role as Chairman of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum for 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the  President also nnoted his active participation in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), and the Interfaith Advisory Committee Against Corruption.

Tinubu further acknowledged the Archbishop’s mentoring of ministers of the Gospel and his humanitarian efforts through the JohnPraise Foundation for Peace and Human Development.

He specifically eexpressed his appreciation for the Archbishop’s inspiring sermon, “Better Together in Renewed Hope and Restoration,” delivered during the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Service.

“Archbishop Daniel’s life has been one of faithful service in the Lord’s vineyard, marked by unwavering dedication, scholarship, and impactful ministry across Nigeria and beyond”, President Tinubu said, praying for continued strength, wisdom, and divine grace for the cleric as he advances moral leadership in society and spiritual guidance to the faithful.

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Kogi Professionals Applaud Lawmaker’s Bold Move to Regulate Mining in Omala

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By Elizabeth Okwe| April 30, 2025

In what many have described as a timely and courageous step, Hon. Yahaya Umar, the lawmaker representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, is receiving accolades for raising the alarm over the environmental and public health crisis caused by coal mining in his constituency.

The motion, which called for an immediate suspension of all mining activities in Omala Local Government Area, has drawn commendation from across the state — most notably from the Convener of the Kogi Professionals Network and seasoned development administrator, Dr. James Odaudu.

Reacting to the motion, Dr. Odaudu described Hon. Umar’s action as “a courageous stand in defence of environmental justice,” saying it was refreshing to see a legislator so passionately defending the health and welfare of his constituents.

According to him, “These mining companies were licensed to support Nigeria’s electricity development goals, yet instead of power, they have brought pollution, contaminated rivers, and destroyed farmlands in host communities.”

He praised the Kogi State House of Assembly for backing the motion and setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter, describing it as “how democracy is supposed to work — responsive and people-centered.”Dr. Odaudu, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, also issued a passionate appeal to the Government of Kogi State to move swiftly beyond legislative action and implement practical relief measures for affected communities.

Dr. James Odaudu
Convener, Kogi Professionals Network

“We urge the State Government to begin immediate clean-up of polluted water sources in Omala and surrounding areas, while putting in place a sustainable plan to provide potable water as a long-term solution,” he stressed.

He further emphasized the need for mining companies operating in the state to honor their corporate social responsibilities and sign enforceable Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with the local government administrations in line with global best practices.

“Profiteering must not come at the expense of our people’s lives and their future, We trust that the government of Governor Usman Ododo will  do the needful as usual ” Dr. Odaudu added.

The coal mining controversy in Omala and other parts of Kogi State has stirred increasing public concern, with calls for stronger regulation, corporate accountability, and community protection gaining momentum.

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Environmental Pollution: Kogi Assembly Calls for Immediate Suspension of Mining Activities in Omala LGA

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Getty Image of sand miners

The Kogi State House of Assembly has called for the immediate suspension of all mining activities in Omala Local Government Area of the state pending the outcome of the investigation and further legislative action.

The call is sequel to a motion of urgent public importance on Wednesday moved by the lawmaker representing Omala State Constituency, Yahaya Umar calling on the State Government to stop the pollution of rivers and environment by coal mining activities in the local government.

The House also called on the State Government and relevant federal regulatory agencies (Federal Ministry of Mines, Mining Cadastre)
to urgently intervene by mandating a full-scale investigation into the activities of miners and assessing the environmental and health impacts of coal mining activities in Omala LGA and across Kogi State.

Presenting the motion before the house, Umar asked the Assembly to urgently address the growing environmental and public health crisis resulting from the activities of coal mining companies in Omala and other parts of Kogi State.

He said, “I urge this Honourable House to note that the original idea behind licensing coal miners in Kogi State was largely part of the Nigerian Electricity Vision 30:30:30 and the Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (RESIP) which were rolled out in 2015 and aimed at diversifying our power mix and increase renewable energy contributions to the national grid.

Hon. Umar Yahaya

“Coal was expected to contribute 4°% of power generation by 2020, and 10% by 2030. But today, that dream has not only failed to materialize, it has turned into a nightmare for our communities.

For over eight years coal mining firms were licensed to mine coal in Kogi State with the stated goal of power generation, including: Rockbottom Mines and Power, Mosra Enerji Ltd, and others.

“However, most of these firms have failed to deliver any measurable electricity contribution to the national grid. Rather than powering our homes, these coal mining activities — particularly in Oloku on the outskirts of Abejukolo, Omala LGA — have led to serious pollution of rivers, destruction of farmlands and contamination of the very water sources that thousands of our constituents rely upon for drinking, cooking, sanitation and irrigation.

“Alarmed that companies like Rockbottom Mines and Mosra Enerji Ltd are discharging acidic coal waste and heavy metals into the Alugbo River, which has now threatened the major water system that flows downstream through Edihi and links to the Omala River — the same river from which our Local Government derives its name. Communities such as Oloku, Otti, Icheke Ajedibo, Ikeffi, Oliya, Ibadan, Kaduna, Efiwo, Ajaja, Ogoh, Abejukolo and others are all affected. These facts are disturbing.

When coal seams are exposed to air and water, they produce acid mine drainage, leaching toxic metals like arsenic, lead, and copper into surrounding water bodies. These poisons do not just pollute rivers, they accumulate in the food chain and pose serious health risks to both humans and livestock. The science is clear about this.

“Worried that this water contamination will not only put the health and livelihoods of thousands of citizens at risk but disrupt agricultural activities, causing land degradation, and endangering aquatic life and biodiversity in the area.”

He pointed out that while these companies profit from their land and resources, many of the host communities have no access to electricity, no alternative water supply, and no meaningful community benefits.

These mining operations, though licensed for power generation, have failed to deliver on their core mandate while the host communities continue to bear the brunt of the environmental damage caused by the mining activities.”

Continuing, he said, “Similar environmental concerns are being raised in Ankpa LGA, where other companies, including Zuma 828 Ltd and Dangote, operate coal mining sites with limited regard for community benefit or environmental remediation. As an institution, we must, therefore, act – not tomorrow, but now.

“Environmental degradation is not just a rural issue; it is a governance issue, a health issue, a justice issue – and it is within our constitutional mandate to act in the interest of our people.”

He prayed that an Ad-hoc Committee be constituted to investigate the activities of coal mining firms in the affected areas, particularly Rockbottom Mines and Mosra Enerji Ltd, and report its findings with actionable recommendations to the House.

Seconding the motion, Jacob Olawumi, member representing Mopamuro State Constituency, asserted that it was pathetic to see that Kogi State is suffering from the natural resources given to it by God, adding that all companies working against the agreement with the state must be sanctioned.

The Vice Chairman, House Standing Committee on Solid Minerals, Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin, described the motion as disturbing.

“The reason why I say this is disturbing is because it involves human lives and animals. Mining companies are taking advantage of us. It is unacceptable to see that mining companies are just after what they are gaining and not looking at what they are doing in our State.

“It is my position for this honorable house to invite this companies to ascertain their scorecard. We must stop them from further mining exercise until they find solutions to the problem on ground. If they failed to meet our demands, we will ban them from mining in Kogi State,” he stated.

Throwing his weight on the motion, the lawmaker representing Kogi Koton Karfe State Constituency, Idrees Aliyu Maikudi blamed the royal fathers in various communities for engaging on illegal activities with some miners in the state. “Some miners will visit these traditional rulers with small envelopes and they will immediately grant them access to mine in our land. This must stop,” he warned.

Yusuf Zakari from Okene II Constituency argued that there is need to enact a law banning sales of land to companies with minimal deposits.

Ruling on the motion, the Deputy Speaker of the House who presided over the sitting described it as disturbing, noting that environmental degradation is a collective responsibility for all to tackle in the state.

She sounded a note of warning to miners in Kogi State, stating that they have over the years deviated from their social responsibilities to their host communities.

“It is not just in Omala, Ankpa, Ijumu, and Ajaokuta, it cuts across all the state. This time, we must take proactive actions before they keep polluting our environment and killing our people.

“All coal mining companies operating in Omala, Ankpa, and other parts of Kogi State should implement enforceable Community Development Agreements (CDAs) and fulfil their corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations to host communities in line with global best practices,” she said.

The House also resolved that the Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals be mandated to carry out an immediate compliance audit of all mining operations in the state and ensure strict adherence to national environmental and mining guidelines.

It also directed that the State Government should provide emergency alternative sources of clean water to the affected communities.

The Deputy Speaker set up a five man adhoc committee to look into the matters and report back to the Assembly in two weeks.

 

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