The Nigerian Government has announced a ban on sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of the River Niger as part of measures to protect the First and Second Niger Bridges and other critical federal infrastructure nationwide.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this in Asaba, Delta State, during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge CCTV Surveillance and Monitoring Centre.

He said the decision was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and would be strictly enforced to safeguard the structural integrity of major bridges across the country.

Umahi directed the Delta State Police Command and other security agencies to arrest anyone found engaging in sand mining within the restricted zone.

He said the Federal Government would provide a patrol boat and two patrol vehicles to enhance enforcement around the bridge environment.

The Minister also announced that tolling on the Second Niger Bridge would not commence until all access and bypass roads on both the Anambra and Delta State axis are fully completed.

According to him, although the toll plaza is ready, government will ensure that motorists have unhindered alternative routes before tolling begins.

CCTV Monitoring

He explained that the newly commissioned CCTV monitoring centre is designed to provide round-the-clock security on the federal highway, stressing that there would be no physical security checkpoints along the road.

Instead, security operatives would monitor activities remotely through the surveillance system and respond to emergencies within five minutes.

“The idea is to have a free-flowing highway without checkpoints. Security agencies will operate from the CCTV monitoring centre and ensure rapid response to any incident along the corridor,” Umahi said.

On road infrastructure, the Minister revealed that the 17.5-kilometre Asaba bypass of the Second Niger Bridge, valued at ₦279 billion and designed to divert traffic away from Asaba township, is scheduled for commissioning in April.

He stated that the two access roads to the bridge have been redesigned and are being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement for durability.

He further disclosed that similar construction is ongoing on the Anambra axis, covering 17.7 kilometres at a cost of ₦140 billion, with five bridges and two flyovers.

Umahi commended the Delta and Anambra State governments for their commitment to the payment of compensation to affected communities.

Presidential Approval

The Minister also announced presidential approval for the reconstruction of the 11.5-kilometre Summit Junction, Niger Bridge road in Asaba, a Type 2 highway project costing ₦48 billion.

He said ₦15 billion has already been released for the commencement of the project, which will include extensive drainage infrastructure to permanently address traffic congestion along the corridor.

During an inspection of the Anambra axis access road, Umahi charged contractors to accelerate work and adhere strictly to project specifications, while expressing dissatisfaction with the slow pace of construction in some sections.

In their remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, commended the Federal Government for the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, highlighting its significant socio-economic benefits to the region and the country.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers and Igwe of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, said the opening of the bridge has eased traffic congestion on the old Niger Bridge, particularly during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

He noted that the installation of CCTV cameras would further boost the confidence of commuters and called for the speedy completion of all access roads to the bridge.

Nigeria is celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, a revered Islamic leader whose fearless act of humanity during a violent crisis became a global symbol of courage and interfaith solidarity.

The Imam passed away peacefully at 92, leaving behind a nation united in gratitude.

In 2018, when sectarian violence threatened a community in Plateau State North Central Nigeria Imam Abubakar made a decision that would define his life:

He opened his mosque and his own home, sheltering and protecting over 300 neighbors—most of them Christians—from the attackers.

His unwavering moral stand saved countless lives and became a powerful story of Nigeria’s enduring spirit of brotherhood.

News of his passing has drawn heartfelt tributes from prominent Christian leaders across the nation, highlighting the profound cross-cultural respect he earned.

Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Christ Evangelical Ministry, spoke for many: “Imam Abubakar was a rare symbol of unity.

In our moment of trial, he showed us that true faith is expressed in love and protection, not division. His loss is felt deeply in every church and mosque across Nigeria.”

This sentiment was echoed by other Christian leaders like Rev. Dajuma Makama and Pastor Maxwell Sanda, who praised the Imam’s selfless leadership and his lifelong dedication to building bridges between communities.

Imam Abubakar’s story transcends borders. It is a powerful testament to the idea that one person’s courage can be a light against darkness, inspiring not just a nation, but all who believe in peace.

His legacy is not one of tragedy, but of triumphant humanity—a narrative that truly represents the heart of Nigeria.

Leaders from all faiths have extended their condolences to his family, the people of Plateau State, and the Nigerian Muslim community, honoring a man who embodied the very best of the country’s character.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called on private security operatives to demonstrate high level of professionalism, discipline and strict compliance with operational guidelines in the discharge of their duties.

The charge was given by the Kano State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mohammed Hassan Agalama, during the graduation ceremony of 131 operatives from various Private Security Companies (PSCs) who completed a capacity-building training programme in Kano.

The training was organised by the NSCDC Kano State Command through its Private Guard Companies Department, in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALSPN), Kano State chapter.

Commandant Agalama explained that the programme was aimed at enhancing the competence, ethical standards and service delivery of private security personnel, in line with the Corps’ statutory responsibility of regulating and supervising private guard companies across the country.

He noted that private security operatives play a vital complementary role in protecting lives and property, stressing that their conduct must reflect professionalism, respect for human rights and effective collaboration with conventional security agencies.

“The training was designed to equip you with modern security skills, instil discipline and ensure strict adherence to operational standards. You are expected to be good ambassadors of your companies and dependable partners with statutory security agencies,” he said.

The Commandant warned against acts of indiscipline, unprofessional behaviour and abuse of office, assuring that the Corps would sanction any operative or company found to be in violation of established regulations.

He also urged the graduates to remain vigilant, law-abiding and proactive in sharing credible intelligence with relevant authorities.

Agalama reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC Kano State Command to sustained training, monitoring and collaboration with licensed private security companies to strengthen security across the state.

In his remarks, the Kano State Chairman of ALSPN, Dr Idris Adamu Pukuma, commended the NSCDC for organising the training and for its partnership with the association.

He disclosed that 24 out of 32 registered member companies of the association participated in the programme.

Dr Pukuma assured the Commandant of the association’s full compliance with all regulatory requirements, adding that the knowledge and skills acquired during the training would be effectively utilised by private security operatives in the state.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to the graduating operatives, as well as awards of merit to the Kano State Commandant, the Head of the Private Guard Companies Department, DC Nura Karofi, and the ALSPN state chairman.

The training programme covered parade and physical drills, lectures and other practical security sessions, alongside goodwill messages from stakeholders in the private security sector.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to laying strong foundations of long-term growth and shared prosperity.

The Minister spoke when he received members of the Grassroots Advocacy for Tinubu (GAT) 2027 on a courtesy visit in Abuja, Nigeria.

According to Idris, the Tinubu administration has taken bold and sometimes difficult decisions to place Nigeria on a more sustainable path, emphasising that early signs of recovery are becoming evident across key sectors of the economy.

“These steps were taken to stabilise the economy and restore confidence. What we are seeing today is the foundations of long-term growth and shared prosperity.

“As a result, Nigeria’s improving economic outlook must be protected through unity, responsible communication, and collective support for national policies,” he said.

He warned that distorted narratives about the country has hurt investor confidence and slowed down development, which calls for the need to rebuild Nigeria’s reputation.

He said, “We must speak positively and truthfully about Nigeria, When we project stability and unity, we attract investment and create opportunities for our people.”

The Minister commended the GAT 2027 group for its civic engagement and acceptance of responsibility in supporting accurate public information.

He welcomed their proposal for partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in the areas of public enlightenment, youth engagement, and strategic communication.

“Advocacy groups play an important role in helping government policies reach the grassroots, effective communication is essential to national stability and development”, he said.

While reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to making Nigeria work for all citizens, regardless of religion or background, the Minister stressed that national cohesion remains central to the administration’s vision.

He further assured the delegation that the Ministry would continue to work with credible groups to ensure that effective communication which is essential to sustaining public trust is accurately shared widely.

The National Coordinator, Grassroots Advocacy for Tinubu, 2027, Professor Ochugudu Achoda Ipuele, said the aim of the visit was to formally brief the Minister on its activities and to show solidarity with his mandate of informing Nigerians and clarifying government policies.

“We are here to show solidarity with you on the mandate you have for Nigeria, which is to inform the country, clarify government policies, and take information to the grassroots,” he said.

He added that the group was committed to supporting President Tinubu’s policies by countering distorted narratives, especially during election periods, and by engaging young people.

“This group is poised to respond in real time to false or misleading information in the public space and to engage the youth, so that as we approach 2027, the Renewed Hope agenda continues with even more programmes for the country,” he added.