The National Security Council has directed the immediate stoppage of all illegal mining activities across Nigeria.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola disclosed this while briefing State House Correspondents on decisions reached at Friday’s meeting of the council chaired by President Muhammadu Bunhari.
He said security and intelligence agencies have also been directed to enforce the order.
“All security agencies have been ordered to check illegal mining all over the country. Illegal mining operations and activities in the country are ordered to be stopped and all security and intelligence agencies are to enforce this,” he said.
Aregbesola further disclosed that the Security Council is committed to ensuring a free and transparent electoral process as Nigeria prepares for its general elections next year.
He therefore, urged politicians to pursue their democratic ambitions with decorum and in accordance with the laws of the land.
“That is the decision of the council. We are committed to ensuring a transparent, free and fair electoral process in the coming elections and all the processes leading to it. So, we enjoin all political parties, individuals and Nigerians to pursue their democratic rights and interest with decorum. All security forces and agencies are advised to maintain the law,” he added.
On cases of crude oil theft witnessed in some parts of the country, the Interior Minister said the National Security Adviser was advised to put together a strong team in conjunction with the Secretary to Government of the Federation, to investigate the worrisome matter.
He said the team is to determine the rate of illegalities involved and perpetrators of such acts that are grossly affecting the economy of the nation and report back to the council.
Chief of Defence Staff who also briefed Journalists stressed that the military will sustain its tempo of fighting oil theft.
“Activities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies within the oil and gas base were also commended but with the directive to sustain the pressure and it is our resolve to deal decisively with those who have been involved in those illegal acts,” he said.
He revealed that a total of 101 combatants comprising members of the boko haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) groups have been moved from detention facilities for de-radicalization.
“Council was also briefed that a total of 101 ex-combatants were taken to Operation Safe Corridor and are currently undergoing the process of de-radicalization at the centre. These were people that have been in detention for several years; some of whom had served their jail terms, others were awaiting trial but because of the long time they have been detained and in line with the procedures for handling anyone who have been involved with terrorism, they have to be moved to the centre,” the Defence Chief added.
Minister of police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi also informed journalists that an agreement has been reached to ensure the re-opening of Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana, Kogi State, to give room for peace in the State.
“An agreement has been reached between the Kogi State government and the Dangote Cement in Kogi on the need to re-open the factory and ensure that there is peace in the State. Government is committed to the provision of employment to its citizens rather than closing factories that will make people unemployed and we do hope that the parties involved will respect this agreement and come to terms with the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties involved,” the Police Affairs Minister explained.
Dingyadi said the agreement was reached under the supervision of the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
He said the Council also reacted to the ruling of the Court of Appeal on Thursday, which discharged the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu of the terrorism charges levelled against him by the Nigerian Government.
The Police Affairs Minister said that the Council was briefed and it observed that Kanu was discharged and not acquitted.
He said: “The issue of Kanu has also been raised and council was briefed on the state of things on the matter. And it was observed that Kanu was discharged but he was not acquitted so, the government is considering the appropriate action to be taken on the matter and Nigerians will be notified of the position that will be finally taken on the matter in due course.”
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