Category: PM News

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has warned members of the ruling Tinubu, in a statement released on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the APC primaries nationwide, described the exercise as a critical test of the party’s unity, resilience and democratic values as it prepares for another electoral cycle.

The President said the APC, founded on the principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy and sacrifice, must consolidate on those ideals as the primaries begin across the country.

“This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us go through each election cycle and come out firmer together. We must consolidate on it as we go into the primaries tomorrow.”

Tinubu noted that the primaries, which begin with the House of Representatives contests and culminate in the presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026, go beyond the selection of candidates.

According to him, the exercise represents “a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party” and offers an opportunity to renew the shared ideals binding members together.

The President openly backed ongoing moves by party leaders to adopt consensus arrangements in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution, describing the option as a practical means of reducing internal rancour and preserving party cohesion.

“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates,” he stated.

“It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members.”

Tinubu, however, stressed that where consensus fails, aspirants and delegates must conduct themselves peacefully and democratically during the primaries.

“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters,” he said.

“All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country.”

The President warned against “rancorous conduct” and the return of “do-or-die politics,” insisting that political contests should not become destructive battles capable of undermining democracy and party unity.

“We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity,” Tinubu declared.

“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game.”

He urged victorious aspirants not to mock defeated opponents, while encouraging losers to accept outcomes in good faith and prepare for future opportunities.

“In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time,” he said.

“The ultimate winners are those who don’t choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.”

Tinubu also directed party leaders at all levels, particularly governors, to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all aspirants.

“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just,” he said.

“You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance.”

The President further appealed for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s political process, describing both demographics as critical to Nigeria’s future.

“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart,” Tinubu stated.

“I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population.”

Tinubu also warned security agencies against interfering in the party’s internal democratic exercise, insisting that their role must be limited strictly to maintaining peace and order.

“The Police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise,” he warned.

“Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more.”

Renowned Marxist, historian and activist, Dr. Samuel Olusegun Osoba, a member of the 1977 Constituent Assembly has died.

Osoba, who hailed from Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, reportedly died peacefully at his residence in the early hours of Thursday, May 14, 2026.

The announcement, according to Daily Trust, was contained in a statement issued by The Yusufu Bala Usman Institute in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The statement, reportedly signed by the Director of the institute, Norma Perchonock, read: “With heavy hearts but with gratitude for a life lived in the service of scholarship and humanity, the Yusufu Bala Usman Institute announces the death of our Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Osoba, who passed away peacefully today, 14th May 2026, at his residence in Ijebu Ode.

“He was 92 years old. Dr. Osoba was a rare scholar whose whole life was dedicated to teaching and research that was designed to educate his students, colleagues and the general public about the nature of the capitalist system and the structures of neo-colonialism that dominates the Nigerian state, and to propose ways of liberating the country from this odious system in order that its citizens may live their lives free from exploitation and oppression.

“His work in economic history was groundbreaking in many ways as he sought to expose the actual workings of the economic system that was holding back development in the country.

“His writings were wide ranging, from scholarly books and papers to articles and columns in newspapers that reached a wide audience. One of his major achievements was to author, together with his close comrade Yusufu Bala Usman, The Minority Report and Draft Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1976.

“This document has had a profound impact on the various debates and discussions about the way forward for Nigeria.

“Segun is gone but he has left an enduring legacy and a shining example for patriotic Nigerians to emulate. Funeral arrangements will be as announced by the family.”

By Segun Giwa

A former Governor of Ondo State, Segun Mimiko said he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for All Progressives Congress, APC to support the ongoing efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration at promoting peace, progress and development in the country.

Mimiko said this on Thursday after his formal defection to APC at Ward 7, Ondo West Local Government Area of the state.

The former governor was received by party executives at the ward, local government and state levels, alongside supporters and party faithful.

Speaking after his formal admission into the ruling party, Mimiko said, “There are a lot of good things being done by the Tinubu-led government and though much more still needs to be done.

“I am coming in to lend my support to ongoing efforts to keep Nigeria on the path of peace, progress and genuine development,” he said.

The former governor also commended the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, describing it as a step toward democratising access to education.

He further expressed support for the ongoing efforts to decentralise policing in the country, noting that the move aligned with his long-held advocacy for state policing.

The Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr Kolawole Babatunde, while welcoming Mimiko to the party, described him as “a progressive in all ramifications.”

According to him, the former governor recorded remarkable achievements in health, education and infrastructure during his time in office.

“Mimiko is a progressive all through and his coming into the APC is like a homecoming,” Babatunde said.

The party chairman added that the policies and initiatives of President Tinubu were yielding positive results and attracting more progressive-minded Nigerians into the APC.

Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Joseph Akinlaja, said Mimiko’s defection marked the culmination of the movement of his political structure into the APC in the state.

Those present at the event were the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Olawoye Ayorinde and former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti.

Others are; Sen. Gbenga Ogunniya; and member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Abiola Makinde, among others.

(NAN)

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has said it will unveil a new strategic policy framework for Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment (CTG) sector between June and July as part of efforts to revive the industry.

Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the CTG Value Chain Activation Pilot Milestone Event.

Enoh said the policy framework would provide broad guidelines for the sector and attract both local and foreign investments into the CTG industry.

“The next phase of this pilot is that we are going to come up with a broad guideline and policy framework that will govern this sector.

“Between June and July, we will not just validate a new strategic policy, we are going to unveil it,” he said.

The minister said the CTG sector remained critical to the implementation of the Nigerian Industrial Policy inaugurated in February.

According to him, Nigeria’s cotton production declined from about 200,000 metric tonnes in 2001 to about 10,000 metric tonnes in 2025.

He, however, said the pilot initiative had demonstrated that cotton could be planted, processed and transformed into finished garments within six to seven months.

Enoh said the pilot also proved that locally produced T-shirts made from Nigerian cotton were better in quality, pricing and quantity than imported alternatives.

“What this means is that there is really no reason to want to buy anything foreign in terms of T-shirts,” he said.

The minister said the government was determined to restore the glory days of the textile industry in line with President Bola Tinubu’s industrialization agenda.

He said the pilot programme, involving operators across cotton production, textile manufacturing and garment production, would now move to a scale-up phase.

“We are on a sure mission and by the grace of God, we are going to deliver for the government and for the Nigerian people,” he said.

The Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Mr Ayo Sotinrin, said the bank had commenced plans to finance smallholder cotton farmers as part of efforts to support the revitalization of the sector.

He said the federal government was also setting up a dedicated fund that would be channelled through the bank to support operators across the entire CTG value chain.

According to him, the bank would focus on financing improved seeds, fertiliser, crop protection and technology-driven farming systems.

Sotinrin said Nigeria could regain its position as one of Africa’s leading cotton producers through deliberate policies and strategic investments.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of HDI Group, Ms Olalade Adereye, said the pilot project succeeded because stakeholders adopted scientific approaches to cotton production.

Adereye, a cotton producer, said the project addressed longstanding challenges involving poor seed quality and inadequate soil analysis.

“We used the right seed, carried out soil analysis and planted based on the results we obtained. That is why we achieved good results,” she said.

She called for increased government support in irrigation, mechanisation and technology to enable the industry compete globally.

According to her, collaboration between government agencies, private investors and cotton producers was key to the success of the pilot initiative.

The Chief Executive Officer of Onchek Ltd., Chekwas Okafor, said the company began local textile production after its Lagos-based supplier could no longer meet rising demand for shirts.

He said the firm vertically integrated its operations in 2023 by producing both textiles and garments locally, enabling it to manufacture cheaper and higher-quality shirts than imported alternatives.

According to him, the company now produces about 8,000 shirts daily and has recently secured orders for 200,000 shirts, while creating jobs and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.

He said the company currently employed about 150 workers and planned to increase its workforce as production expanded.

The CEO commended the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for supporting the CTG pilot initiative, adding that the programme was helping to demonstrate that globally competitive garments could be produced locally.

(NAN)

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside the representative of the Vice President, Senator Hassan Hadejia, and the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG and EV), Barr. Ismaeel Ahmad, has officially launched the programme’s activities across the Northern region.

Similarly, the delegation commissioned Asad CNG and Greenville LNG stations located along the Kano-Zaria Road.

Speaking at the launch of the Kano and Northern Region CNG/EV Activation, held at the Kano Indoor Stadium on Thursday, Governor Yusuf stated that the initiative would create vast opportunities in refueling infrastructure, conversion centers, technical services, assembly plants, logistics, and manufacturing.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, Governor Yusuf emphasized that the project would generate jobs for the state’s teeming youths, many of whom have already been trained in vehicle conversion and technical maintenance.

The Governor assured investors that the state is ready to continue working with the Federal Government, the Pi-CNG and EV initiative, and genuine private investors willing to partner with the government in building the sector.

He added that: “Our administration will continue to provide the enabling environment necessary for businesses to thrive, as we believe economic growth and job creation must remain at the center of governance.”

Governor Yusuf also expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for this important initiative, noting that it would significantly ease the transportation challenges faced by citizens.

In his remarks, Senator Hassan Hadejia who is the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President, noted that the activation of CNG in the North would maximise usage, considering the fact that the region possesses the largest fleet of transportation vehicles in West Africa.

He commended Governor Yusuf for his commitment and for providing an enabling environment even before the project’s official commencement.

On his part, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmad, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pi-CNG and EV disclosed that President Tinubu while acknowledging the hardship caused by the removal of the petroleum subsidy, wishes to be remembered for providing alternative energy sources that are significantly cheaper than Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He further announced that CNG stations would be established across all senatorial districts in Kano to ensure widespread accessibility.

In their separate remarks, Alhaji Aminu Suraj who represented the Jigawa State Governor and Prof. Muhammad Al-Amin, representing the Katsina State Governor appealed for the swift implementation of CNG initiatives in their states to reduce transportation costs and stimulate rapid economic development.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Abdulraman Mohammed-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said contrary to the pictures being painted by Governors Bola Mohammed and Seyi Makinde of Bauchi and Oyo States respective, the party is not in any form of alliance with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

“Let us state clearly and unequivocally that the PDP is not part of any alliance, coalition, agreement, or political arrangement with the APM or any other political party regarding this gathering or any related political activity,” the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP faction, Jungudo Mohammed, stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

The press conference was held in reaction to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the PDP and APM in Ibadan, Oyo State earlier in the day. Under the agreement, candidates of a faction of PDP backed by Makinde will contest the 2027 election on the platform of APC.

The Bauchi state governor had also entered into similar agreement with the APM.

Makinde had at a rally held after the signing of the MoU declared that he would contest the 2027 presidency under the PDP/APM alliance.

He also declared that the PDP/APM alliance will produce candidates that will contest for every position in 2027.

While disowning the alliance, Mohammed said that the PDP remained strong, united, and fully prepared to participate in the 2027 general elections without any legal or political impediments.

“Any person or group claiming to be acting on behalf of the PDP in connection with this event is doing so without the knowledge, approval, consent, or authority of the party.

“What is being presented to Nigerians as a political alliance is nothing more than another desperate attempt by Gov. Seyi Makinde and his associates to mislead the public and manufacture a false impression of political relevance and support,” he said.

Mohammed urged the members of the public to disregard what he described as propaganda, theatrics, and misleading narratives surrounding the Ibadan event.

“Again, for the avoidance of doubt, we wish to reiterate that the PDP has absolutely nothing to do with the gathering in Ibadan.

He added that contrary to the claim of Makinde, the PDP was conducting its screening exercise for governorship and presidential aspirants at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, the annex office of our national headquarters as the MOU was being signed in Ibadan.

“This is coming after yesterday’s successful completion of the States and National Assembly Screening exercise across the country,” he said.

The national publicity secretary of the PDP faction which is loyal to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, also accused both governors of sponsoring propaganda aimed at deliberately distorting and misrepresenting the Supreme Court judgment in order to create confusion within the party.

He, however, said that the reality was clearly demonstrated by the number of aspirants who obtained and submitted their nomination forms, under Mohammad and Sen. Samuel Anyawu-led PDP.

Mohammed asked why Makinde and Bala refused to remain within the structure they claimed to recognise by purchasing nomination forms from the so-called Kabiru Tanimu led Interim National Working Committee (iNWC).

The National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, fielding questions from newsmen said that the Mohammed led leadership has written to law enforcement agency and had alleged the Turaki-led NWC of impersonation.

“We have written to the security agencies, the Police, and the DSS on the issue of impersonation.

“They have already invited Sen. Adolphus Wabara, Turaki, and others who inuagurated themselves at the Shehu Yar’adua Center, where the so-called interim NWC was formed.

“So the matter is before the security agencies in Nigeria, and after that, we hope that they will be prosecuted,” he said.

On the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment on PDP leadership crisis, Anyanwu urged the media to be guided, saying Mohammed led NWC remained the recognised PDP leadership.

“There is only one PDP today. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been here, and has verified the current NWC,” Anyanwu said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

The Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei has been arraigned for allegedly converting the sum of N19 million and $30 million given to her for investment for her own use.

She was arraigned before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on a two-count charge, bordering on illegal conversion and obtaining money by false pretence.

Gozi-Anyaokei is being prosecuted by the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency said in a statement on Thursday.

EFCC alleged that Gozi-Anyaokei as the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank in 2022 was entrusted with N19 million by one Ernest Terkula Jor for the purpose of investment.

She however converted the money to her own use, an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990) and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act”.

In the count two, EFCC alleged that Gozi-Anyaokei as the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank in 2022 was entrusted $30,000.00 also by Ernest Terkula Jor for the purpose of investment.

But she also dishonestly converted the funds to her own use in violation of the mode in which the contract is to be discharged, an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990) and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.”

She pleaded “not guilty,” following which prosecution counsel, S.N Robert, prayed the court for a trial date.

Justice Halilu granted the defendant bail with two sureties, who must have landed property within Abuja. The defendant was also ordered to deposit her traveling documents with the court and must not travel outside the country except with the permission of the court.

The matter was adjourned till July 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Similarly, the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Monday, May 11, 2026, arraigned one Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor before Justice J. O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja for fraud.

Ifeanachor is facing prosecution on a two-count charge, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, advance fee fraud and money laundering to the tune of N20 million.

Count one reads: “That you Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor, sometime in 2025 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained from one Mr. Ezekwuche Chinedu Paul, the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira Only) under the pretence that the money is committed and for the purchase of 55 pieces all-in-one desktop computer system, a pretence he you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No.14 of 2006 and Punishable Under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”

Count two reads: “That you Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor, sometimes in 2025 at Abuja State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, directly used the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) in your Access Bank Account, bearing Account Name Daniel Ugochukwu Ifeanachor with account number 0095073052 which you knew that such fund is the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty,” prompting prosecution counsel, Joyce Audu to request a trial date.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter till July 6, 2026 and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, pending the commencement of trial.

By Edith Nwapi

Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of Abuja High Court on Thursday ordered the remand of Amos Isah, founder and General Overseer of Prophetic Voice of Fire Ministry International, Gwagwalada, in the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, FCT over alleged defilement.

The remand of the cleric was pending the pending verification of his previous bail, according to the court.

The prosecution alleged that Isah lured a- 14-year-old girl to his office in the church premises and defiled her.

The prosecution said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 3, 4 and 14 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition)Act, 201

Isah was arrested by the police in June 2025, and was arraigned on July 22,2025 before a vacation judge, Justice J.E Obanor in a high court in Maitama.

The case was then reassigned to Justice Osho-Adebiyi on March 11, following an application from the prosecution counsel, Aderonke Imana.

On April 21, the matter came up before Justice Osho-Adebiyi, however, the defendant did not appear in court.

When the case came up on Thursday, the cleric pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defence Counsel, O.U Sule, SAN, informed the court that his client had been granted bail by a sister court.

Justice Osho-Adebiyi ordered the defendant counsel to present documentation of the bail previously granted Isah by another high court.

The Judge noted that the record of the bail and sureties was not before the court.

“His record of surety is not before the court; if I tell him to go, who am I releasing him to?”, the judge asked .

Sule persisted in his request that the defendant be released on his honour, but the judge declined.

“Until I get the record, there is really not much I can do. You have not applied for bail before me.”

Sule then asked for an oral bail application, but the prosecution (Imana) informed the court that she has another matter at another court.

“I am opposed to the oral application, I am before another court,” she said.

Justice Osho-Adebiyi noted further that the sureties were not in court, and their documents were not before the court.

“The defendant is hereby remanded to the correctional centre pending his bail determination.”

The court, therefore, directed the defendant counsel (Sule) to inform the registrar when they will be ready with the necessary documents.

Justice Osho-Adebiyi then adjourned until June 30 for commencement of trial.

(NAN)

Media and communications strategist Ayobami Eruobami has called for urgent and collective action to transform Nigeria’s education sector, stressing that the country’s future will be shaped by individuals and organisations willing to move beyond discussion and contribute to meaningful change.

Eruobami made this known in a statement where he highlighted the growing opportunities within Nigeria’s education system, despite the challenges often associated with the sector.

According to him, a quiet transformation is already taking place across the country, driven by young Nigerians, educators, and institutions adapting to modern realities.

“Nigeria’s education sector is often discussed in terms of challenges. However, there is another side to the story — one that is not told often enough: opportunity,” he said.

“Across the country, a quiet transformation is already underway. Young Nigerians are learning beyond traditional classrooms, educators are adapting to new methods, and institutions are beginning to rethink how knowledge is delivered in a digital age.”

Eruobami noted that the critical issue is no longer whether Nigeria’s education system can evolve, but whether stakeholders are prepared to accelerate that evolution.

Speaking from his experience in media, communication, and narrative building, he described education as a powerful national brand whose success depends largely on how it is positioned and supported.

“I see education not just as a sector, but as a powerful national brand. Like any brand, its strength depends on how it is shaped, communicated, and supported,” he stated.

The media entrepreneur explained that through Erumedia Group and Pressford, he has continued to advocate for stronger storytelling around education, noting that public perception plays a significant role in attracting partnerships, funding, and innovation.

“At Erumedia Group, we believe stories can inspire action. The stories we choose to tell about education today will influence the investments, policies, and innovations of tomorrow,” he said.

He added that education must be intentionally presented as a space filled with opportunities capable of attracting collaboration between government institutions, private organisations, and innovators.

According to Eruobami, Nigeria needs stronger connections between classrooms and industries, as well as communication strategies that focus not only on the sector’s problems but also on its progress and potential.

“We need stronger bridges between classrooms and industries. We need platforms that amplify success stories in education, not just its challenges,” he said.

He further emphasized that no single institution can independently transform the country’s education system, calling instead for collective effort and bold thinking.

Eruobami described the present moment as a defining one for “builders of ideas, platforms, and systems” capable of equipping young Nigerians with relevant knowledge and skills.

“If we get it right, the impact will extend far beyond classrooms. It will shape industries, strengthen the economy, and redefine Nigeria’s position on the global stage,” he said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has uncovered a syndicate allegedly involved in vandalising and recycling critical national infrastructure, including railway facilities, NNPC pipelines and water board installations.

Speaking in Kaduna on Wednesday, the corps’ National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, said the operation was launched after a viral video exposed the destruction of rail tracks along the Kaduna-Kano corridor.

According to him, operatives uncovered what he described as a sophisticated local and international network allegedly using Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Birnin Yero, Igabi Local Government Area, as cover for illegal activities.

He alleged that vandalised rail materials were compressed into scrap at the Kaduna facility before being transported to Aba, Abia State, where they were recycled into iron rods and nails.

“This criminal cycle has caused the Federal Government monumental economic losses,” Afolabi said.

The NSCDC said seven suspects were arrested, including company officials, scrap dealers and weighbridge operators.

Recovered exhibits included railway tracks, sleepers, suspected NNPC and water board pipes, as well as machinery allegedly used to process and conceal stolen infrastructure.

Afolabi also disclosed that five additional suspects were arrested over alleged vandalism along the Kaduna-Abuja rail corridor in Gwagwada community, Chikun Local Government Area.

Quoting the Commandant General, he said: “Under this leadership, the NSCDC will not treat economic sabotage with kid gloves. We are going after the sponsors.

“This operation marks the beginning of a new phase in our crackdown on syndicates supporting vandalism under any disguise.”

Also speaking, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, commended the NSCDC for recovering what he described as large quantities of railway materials hidden beneath heaps of scrap.

Represented by NRC Chief Technical Officer, Paul Doche, Opeifa said: “We have gone round and identified some of our materials there. These are national assets.”