Category: PM News

Retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, has been picked as the Secretary of Projectv744 Network for Asiwaju.

Gumel hinted his new appointment to our Correspondent, during a telephone interview on Tuesday.

According to him, Project 774 Network for Asiwaju is organising a national sensitisation programme to mobilise citizens towards active participation in promoting security across the country.

The programme, scheduled for 27 July 2026 at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, has the theme: ‘Our Security, Our Duty: Citizens Standing with Our Troops to End Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping.’

Gumel further stated that, ‘ the event is expected to attract prominent traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to deliberate on practical ways of strengthening community participation in national security.’

He said the conference would conclude with a citizens’ declaration of commitment to support security agencies and work collectively towards ending insecurity in Nigeria.

The security expert urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility in tackling insecurity, describing security as, ‘ a collective duty that should not be politicised.’

He insisted that, ‘insecurity at the grassroots require community-driven solutions, stressing that criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping are largely concentrated in the hinterlands.’

Retired DIG Gumel, who is a doyen of Community Policing, noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has demonstrated commitment to addressing insecurity through reforms, including local government financial autonomy, which he noted should enable politicians at the grass root levels to play a more active role in safeguarding their communities.

According to him, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community volunteers and residents possess vital knowledge of their environments and should work closely with security agencies to identify and isolate criminal elements.

The retired police boss also commended the efforts and sacrifices of the military, police and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, urging Nigerians to support security personnel instead of undermining their efforts.

Speaking on the proposed establishment of state police, retired DIG Gumel expressed strong support for the initiative, pointing out decentralized policing would strengthen community security and improve intelligence gathering.

He acknowledged concerns over possible abuse but maintained that any challenges could be addressed through constitutional amendments as implementation progresses.

He said: ‘The ongoing national conversation on State Police has attracted both strong support and genuine reservations. Those who oppose the reform often point to Nigeria’s historical experience with regional police and express concerns that decentralizing policing could lead to political abuse, threaten national unity, or undermine professionalism.

‘These concerns deserve respect. Constitutional reforms should never be undertaken lightly, especially where national security is concerned. Yet history should guide reform, not prevent it.

‘Nigeria today is fundamentally different from the country that existed when the former regional police system was abolished more than five decades ago. Our democratic institutions have evolved considerably. Constitutional governance has become more entrenched. Judicial independence is stronger, legislative oversight is more robust, the media is more vigilant, civil society is more active, and citizens now enjoy unprecedented access to information and public accountability.

‘These institutional developments provide a far more suitable environment for designing a policing system that reflects contemporary democratic standards. Rather than allowing the mistakes of the past to discourage reform, we should use those lessons to build stronger safeguards against their recurrence.

‘Equally important, decentralized policing is neither novel nor peculiar to Nigeria. It is a well-established feature of many federal democracies. Countries operating federal systems have successfully maintained national and subnational police services with clearly defined constitutional responsibilities, professional standards, independent oversight and effective coordination.’

Jigawa state governor, Umar Namadi on Tuesday signed two executive orders establishing a coordinated framework to combat drug abuse and institutionalise mass mobilisation for societal reorientation, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of the state’s youth population and the moral renewal of its communities.

The Executive Orders, signed at the Council Chambers of the Government House, Dutse, established the Jigawa State Task Force on Drug Abuse Control and the Mass Mobilisation for Social Reorientation initiative.

The momentous event was witnessed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd); senior government officials, traditional rulers; members of the Council of Ulama; security agencies; civil society organisations; and development partners.

Namadi said the Executive Orders were deliberate instruments of governance designed to fulfil commitments contained in his administration’s 12-Point Agenda and inaugural address, particularly the pledge to collaborate with relevant federal agencies to tackle drug abuse, strengthen local governance and drive positive societal transformation.

‘The two Executive Orders directly address these commitments: one establishes a structured campaign against drug abuse by bringing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, community mobilisation, and enforcement support under a coordinated framework. The other lends institutional strength to societal reorientation by promoting patriotism, honesty, discipline, respect for the law, civic responsibility, and service to the common good.’

The governor said recent social developments had reinforced the urgency of the initiative, stating that the aftermath of the August 2024 protests demonstrated how frustration, misinformation, idleness and weak social guidance could expose young people to destructive influences.

‘Sustainable development requires more than projects and programmes; it also requires a positive civic culture, rooted in our traditions and the teachings of Islam, to guide citizens towards discipline, responsibility and the common good,’ he said.

Describing Jigawa’s youthful population as one of its greatest assets, Governor Namadi warned that drug and substance abuse remained a serious threat capable of undermining the state’s future if not addressed proactively.

‘Youth empowerment without values can become misdirected energy; values without opportunity can become frustration. Our duty, therefore, is to provide both opportunities that open legitimate paths to progress and guidance that anchors ambition in discipline, service, productivity and peaceful coexistence.’

Governor Namadi said the executive orders complement other reforms already introduced by his administration, including the Ward Level Development Advisory Committees and the Participatory Community Development Project Fund, both aimed at deepening grassroots participation, improving accountability and giving communities greater ownership of development initiatives.

He noted that drug abuse could only be defeated through a comprehensive approach combining enforcement with prevention, counselling, rehabilitation, family support and community vigilance, while societal reorientation required leadership by example, responsible citizenship and respect for the law.

Calling for collective action, the governor urged parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, ministries, local governments, development partners, community organisations, the private sector and youth groups to support programmes that expand opportunities in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, agriculture, digital innovation, sports, creative industries and civic engagement.

The governor commended the NDLEA for its partnership with the Jigawa State government and praised the agency’s State Command for its operational achievements, including the seizure of nearly 2,000 kilogrammes of illicit drugs valued at over ?2.8 billion and the conviction of 136 offenders.

In his keynote remarks, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd.), described Governor Namadi’s support for the agency as unparalleled among Nigeria’s state governments.

‘There is no governor in Nigeria today who is doing more for the NDLEA State Command than the Governor of Jigawa State,’ he said.

He disclosed that the governor had provided land for a permanent NDLEA barracks, office accommodation, official residential support for the state commander and additional assistance to strengthen the agency’s operations in Jigawa.

‘As a student of governance and public administration myself, I am pleased to express my deepest commendation to the executive governor of this great state, His Excellency, Malam Umar A. Namadi, FCA, for the tremendous efforts he is making to transform Jigawa State for the better. The governor is proving that proactive governance is the best antidote to social malaise.’

Highlighting the agency’s national achievements, the NDLEA chairman disclosed that between January 2021 and December 2025, the agency recorded 77,859 arrests, secured the conviction of 14,122 offenders, seized 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit substances and rehabilitated more than 50,000 individuals across its treatment centres nationwide.

He stated that Jigawa’s estimated drug prevalence rate of about seven per cent remained among the lowest in the country and expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated Task Force would help reduce the figure further through prevention, community mobilisation and sustained collaboration.

United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation.

In a letter dated July 6, 2026, and made public on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump praised Tinubu’s efforts to confront violent extremism, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.

‘Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people,’ Trump wrote.

He added, ‘I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities, and it is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.’

The US president described relations between Abuja and Washington as increasingly important amid rising security threats across West Africa, saying both countries share a common objective of defeating terrorism.

According to Trump, the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a solid framework for expanding collaboration between both countries in combating insurgency and violent extremism.

‘The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms,’ he stated.

Trump also disclosed that the United States had deployed its Special Operations Forces to support Nigeria’s armed forces with specialised training, intelligence and operational capabilities.

‘I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces-among the most elite military units anywhere in the world, to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack,’ he said.

The letter highlights growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States under the Tinubu administration.

According to the Presidency, both leaders agreed in November last year to establish a Joint Working Group, co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States, to deepen cooperation in intelligence sharing, military training and joint counter-terrorism operations.

One of the major outcomes of the collaboration, the Presidency said, was the coordinated May 16 operation against Islamic State hideouts in the Lake Chad region, during which Abubakar Al-Minoki, identified as a top ISIS leader, and several of his lieutenants were reportedly killed.

The statement also noted that the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he held discussions with senior Nigerian officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation in security and other strategic sectors.

Trump concluded his letter by expressing optimism about sustained engagement with President Tinubu during his tenure.

‘I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency,’ he wrote.

An old dry well accident has claimed the lives of Abubakar Abdullahi, 45, and his 15-year-old daughter, Fiddausi Abubakar, the Kano State Fire Service confirmed.

ýThis is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Saminu Abdullahi on Wednesday in Kano.

ýAbdullahi said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening in Yancibi village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of the State.

ý’We received a distress call from an unknown caller at our fire service station that a father and his daughter had fallen into an old dry well in Yancibi Village. We immediately deployed our firefighters from the Tsanyawa branch to rescue the victims,’ he said.

According to him, due to darkness and challenging conditions at the scene, the rescue operation could not complete the rescue.

ý’Our emergency rescue team was also deployed from the Kano State Fire Service Headquarters to support the operation. Upon arrival, the team successfully brought out both victims from the well unconscious and were later confirmed dead’, he added.

Abdullahi said preliminary information indicates that the girl accidentally fell inside the old dry well while the father attempted to rescue her, both of them were unable to come out due to lack of oxygen.

He further explained that the corpses of the victims were handed over to the Village Head of Yancibi, Shamsu Sani.

ýThe State Fire Service extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and urged general public to avoid entering wells without proper rescue equipment.

Stakeholders have urged students to report bullying rather than remain silent, warning that failure to speak up fuels a culture that undermines learning, mental health and school safety.

They gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja during a one-day sensitisation workshop for students and teachers on the National Policy on Anti-Bullying.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts by the ministry and UBEC to strengthen awareness and implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying across schools in the country.

The Executive Secretary, UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, said students who witness bullying should not see it as someone else’s problem, stressing that reporting incidents promptly could prevent lasting psychological and academic consequences.

Garba was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary of UBEC, Olajuwon Rasaq.

‘As we are aware, bullying is an informed, physical, verbal, social and digital remains of serious concern in our schools.

‘It does not only affect the academic performance but also undermine the extreme and negative impacts on the mental health and overall well-being of our students.

‘No child should feel unsafe, unsecured, unwanted and environment-designed to emotionally and in their personal growth. On this note, that the ministry developed a national policy on anti-bullying.

‘This policy provides clear guidelines and practical steps for preventing, identifying and addressing bullying in our educational institutions. It cuts across from primary school to university.

‘If you see something, say something. You can report without being noticed. Walk to your teacher or head teacher and report what is happening,’ he said.

According to her, many victims remain silent out of fear of retaliation after school hours, leaving them emotionally traumatised and unable to concentrate in class.

She said bullying often causes fear, anxiety and withdrawal, making affected students reluctant to answer questions or participate in classroom activities despite knowing the correct answers.

She said the National Anti-Bullying Policy provided practical guidelines for preventing, identifying and addressing bullying across all levels of education, from primary schools to universities.

She urged teachers and school leaders to create safe learning environments where students could report cases confidentially without fear of victimisation.

Garba also advised parents to reinforce moral values at home, noting that family upbringing remained critical to shaping children’s behaviour.

She expressed concern over the erosion of societal values, attributing part of the trend to negative influences from social media and foreign lifestyles copied by young people.

Also speaking, the Director-General, African Principal Conference Initiative, Mr Ayodele Joseph, called for regular tracking and evaluation of the National Anti-Bullying Policy to ensure its effective implementation in schools across the country.

Joseph said the success of the anti-bullying policy would depend on continuous monitoring rather than mere awareness campaigns.

He said the organisation had been promoting safe learning environments since 2019 through seminars and symposiums on anti-bullying, ahead of the ministry’s nationwide sensitisation programme.

According to him, the organisation conducted a nationwide baseline study on bullying and violence in Nigerian schools in 2023, which would serve as a benchmark for assessing progress.

‘This is actually the first time that, at the level of the ministry, a session has been organised on the anti-bullying policy.

‘At our own level, since 2019, we have been organising seminars and symposiums on anti-bullying initiatives.’

‘In 2023, we conducted a baseline study on bullying and violence in Nigerian schools. By March next year, we will carry out a tracking study to assess how effectively schools are implementing anti-bullying policies.’

Joseph said schools must domesticate the national policy by ensuring that teachers, students and parents understood what constituted bullying and how to respond to it.

The Keynote Speaker, Ayotola Ilori, said bullying affected not only victims but also perpetrators, bystanders, families and the wider school community.

Ilori, who is also the Executive Director, Sustainable Solution for Youth and Vulnerable Initiative (SSYVI), identified verbal, physical, social and cyberbullying as the major forms of bullying.

She urged students, teachers and the general public to become ‘upstanders’ against bullying instead of remaining silent.

She described bullying as a growing generational problem fuelled by a cycle in which victims later become perpetrators.

‘We need to have these difficult conversations because bullying is becoming generational. Some children believe that when they become seniors, it will be their turn to bully others.

‘We need to be upstanders, not bystanders. Keeping quiet when someone is being bullied is part of the problem.’

Ilori commended the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC for organising the workshop and called for greater collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, the media and the private sector to safeguard schools.

The World Bank Education Team, led by Elia Elegbe, commended the ministry for its commitment to setting up policies and guidelines to protect young Nigerians from the act of bullying.

The military has announced the killing of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a senior Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative described as the group’s chief photographer and propaganda coordinator, during a failed terrorist attack on a military position in Borno State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the military said Abu Salim was among several high-profile terrorists eliminated during the failed infiltration of troops’ position at Cross Kauwa on July 12.

According to the statement, Abu Salim was killed alongside other members of ISWAP’s mobile media unit, including Abu Umar Khattab and Abu Khalid Usman, dealing what the military described as a significant blow to the group’s propaganda machinery.

The military said a video camera used by the terrorists for propaganda production was recovered after the operation, corroborating an earlier statement issued following the attack.

Operation HADIN KAI said intelligence reports indicated that Abu Salim had previously commanded cross-border terrorist raids into neighbouring Cameroon before he was reassigned to ISWAP’s media wing.

In that role, he was allegedly responsible for photographing and filming terrorist operations, producing propaganda materials and promoting extremist narratives aimed at recruiting new members and projecting the group’s strength.

The statement added that the terrorist organisation had acknowledged Abu Salim’s death by publishing an obituary, describing it as further confirmation of the success of ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the North-East.

The military also disclosed that troops killed several other prominent terrorists during the encounter, including a Syrian national identified as Aliyu Zabarmari, described as a ‘Quaid,’ while another foreign fighter believed to be an Arab mercenary remains missing.

It added that several other insurgents sustained serious injuries as they retreated under heavy military fire.

According to the military, the latest operation has further weakened ISWAP’s operational capability by disrupting its command structure and degrading its ability to produce and disseminate propaganda.

The military maintained that the loss of experienced media operatives would undermine the group’s efforts to recruit fighters, coordinate attacks and project influence.

Operation HADIN KAI said the obituary issued by ISWAP reflected the mounting pressure on the terrorist group and the growing difficulty it faces in replacing experienced operatives eliminated during sustained military offensives.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling Boko Haram and ISWAP networks, destroying their logistics and propaganda structures, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.

A Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday awarded N25 million in damages against KAM Integrated Company Ltd. and its Chairman, Dr Kamoru Yusuf, over the unlawful detention of a former employee, Mr Samuel Oniyide, for 23 days.

Justice Ariwoola Junior, who delivered the judgment, held that the detention violated Oniyide’s fundamental human rights, ruling that Yusuf had no constitutional authority to detain him without a valid court order or police warrant.

Oniyide, through his counsel, Mr Taiwo Hammed, alongside Mr Tajudeen Abdullahi, had instituted the fundamental rights enforcement suit after the company accused him of misappropriating more than N5 billion.

The judge also awarded damages against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), holding that its decision to continue investigating a matter already concluded by the police amounted to an abuse of power.

In addition, the court awarded N5 million against the Chief Security Officer of KAM Company, SP Sodiq, for his role in executing the unlawful detention.

However, the court absolved the Commissioner of Police of liability, holding that there was no evidence that he authorised or consented to the detention.

Earlier, Oniyide had urged the court to intervene in what he described as persistent police harassment allegedly instigated by Yusuf, asking that the matter be resolved through due legal process rather than unlawful detention. (NAN)

Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of instigating the revocation of her United States visa and putting her life, children and investments in danger.

Achimugu, founder of Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited, denied being a criminal and alleged that the anti-graft agency had subjected her to oppression, intimidation and character assassination.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, she claimed the EFCC had deliberately damaged her reputation and dissipated property she lawfully acquired.

She said misleading information allegedly circulated by the commission had cost her several financial opportunities and created setbacks for her businesses.

Her allegations followed a July 16 ruling by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo ordering the final forfeiture of assets linked to her.

The forfeited assets included jewellery valued at about ?4.65 billion, 11 luxury vehicles worth ?4.293 billion, $50,000 and ?30 million in cash.

In March, a Federal High Court in Abuja also ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to Achimugu and Oceangate.

The order followed an EFCC suit alleging that the money was connected to unlawful activities.

Achimugu, however, maintained that the $13 million formed part of a $20 million payment made by her company to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission for two oil blocks.

She said $2 million was paid through a South African bank for PPL 3007, while another $5 million was paid for PPL 302.

According to her, the $13 million represented the balance of the combined payment for PPL 302-DO and PPL 3007.

‘Having failed to sustain that particular allegation, the EFCC turned its attention to the remainder of the same NUPRC payment that my company submitted,’ she said.

Achimugu said she had appealed the forfeiture order and was awaiting the outcome.

The businesswoman also alleged that the EFCC declared her wanted despite knowing her whereabouts and exchanging correspondence with her.

She claimed that about 30 EFCC officers subsequently invaded her home, frightened members of her family and removed jewellery, safes and cash.

Achimugu further alleged that her mother, who had recently returned from spinal surgery abroad, was made to sit for hours without consideration for her age or health.

She was arrested by the EFCC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on April 29, 2025, after being declared wanted over money-laundering allegations.

Aisha Achimugu alleged that EFCC operatives raided her home again on January 20, 2026, and removed every vehicle found on the premises using cranes and flatbed trucks.

She claimed the officers failed to consider the ownership of the vehicles or protect them from damage.

‘When I sought the court’s intervention for the return of all my vehicles, after six months, and other seized personal items for almost two years, the EFCC, rather than defend that suit at the Federal High Court, instead again obtained a further ex-parte order of forfeiture from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory,’ she said.

Achimugu also blamed the commission for the revocation of her US visa, claiming she received notification of the decision on April 4, 2025, seven days after the EFCC declared her wanted.

She alleged that information supplied by the commission also affected an attempt to obtain a US visa with her Grenadian passport through the American Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados.

According to her, the visa was required to attend an executive programme at Harvard University for which she had already made arrangements.

‘I discovered the most devastating information when I could not proceed with an application for a visa on my Grenada passport which was to enable me to attend my already booked and scheduled Harvard executive programme,’ she said.

Achimugu insisted that the EFCC’s actions had endangered her family and damaged her standing locally and internationally.

‘I have never been known to be a troublemaker. I am not a criminal and I have never been convicted of any offence that I did not own up to,’ she stated.

Police operatives have commenced investigation into circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a 60-year-old man (name withheld) shortly after checking into a hotel room with a lady in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital.

The deceased, who checked into the facility in company of a 20-year-old lady (name withheld) suddenly developed a medical emergency after requesting for a meal, Spokesperson for Jigawa police command, SP Lawan Shiisu, said in a statement on Wednesday in Dutse.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Tuesday.

He explained that on receipt of the distress report, police officers attached to the Yalwawa Division, moved to the scene and immediately evacuated the deceased to the General Hospital Dutse, where he was examined and certified dead by medical personnel on duty.

‘Police detectives thereafter secured the scene and conducted a preliminary examination where some food items, beverages, suspected sexual enhancement substance and other personal effects were recovered for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

‘ All necessary procedures were observed to preserve relevant exhibits and facilitate a comprehensive investigation.

‘Following medical certification of death and the completion of the necessary procedures, the remains of the deceased was released to his family for burial in accordance with their request,’ he said.

The Jigawa police spokesperson added that the 20-year-old lady who was present at the time of the incident had cooperated with investigators by providing useful information to assist in establishing the sequence of events leading to the unfortunate incident.

Shiis reassured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly, professionally and impartially.

He urged residents of the state to refrain from speculation or circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety or prejudicing the investigation.

‘Further information will be made available as the investigation progresses,’ Shiisu assured.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said it has commenced investigation into a suspected chemical spill by a truck on the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

The Agency, in a statement on Wednesday, said the incident occurred after a truck accident left a white, foamy substance at the scene.

The statement signed by Mrs Nwamaka Ejiofor, the Assistant Director (Press), said that a team from the Kaduna State Field Office had visited the site to commence investigation.

According to the statement, the team led by the State Coordinator, Mr Hena Emmanuel, had met with the Police Commander for Jere, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps commander in the area, and the community leader.

It said preliminary findings indicated that a heavy-duty truck was involved in an accident, resulting in the spillage of its contents.

The statement said the agency had obtained information from security agencies, relevant officials and residents to support the investigation.

It added that samples of the foamy substance, surrounding soil and water from a nearby stream had been collected for laboratory analysis to determine their composition and possible environmental impact.

NESREA therefore advised members of the public to avoid contact with the foamy substance, the water and the surrounding soil until the investigation was concluded.

It further said that the precaution was necessary to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials. (NAN)