JUST IN: Federal Government Bans Open Grazing Nationwide, Declares It A Capital Offense

The Federal Government has formally declared a nationwide ban on open grazing, introducing one of its strongest measures yet to curb the persistent clashes between herders and farming communities. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State. Maiha said the decades-long conflict has left a trail of deaths, displacement and economic destruction, with many rural communities struggling to recover. He noted that both farmers and herders have suffered massive losses due to unchecked movement of cattle across farmlands. According to him, the government has now classified open grazing as a capital offense, insisting that herders must transition to ranching if the cycle of violence is to end. He argued that ranching not only prevents clashes but produces healthier cattle and better commercial returns. The minister also highlighted the financial potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, saying the government aims to grow it into the country’s second-largest revenue generator after oil. He projected $74 billion in revenue within five years and disclosed that existing programmes have already generated more than $14 billion. Declaring the council open, Adamawa Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, described the state as one of Nigeria’s most significant livestock hubs and a suitable host for the event. The newly established National Council on Livestock Development, made up of livestock directors from all 36 states and the FCT, will coordinate reforms, track policy implementation and steer the transformation of the country’s livestock industry.

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Amotekun Raises Security in Ondo Boarding Schools, Parades 16 Suspects for Kidnapping and Crime

The Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, has stepped up security measures at boarding schools across the state following intelligence suggesting potential bandit threats. Corps Commander Adetunji Adeleye said on Tuesday that the corps has heightened patrols and surveillance to ensure the safety of students, particularly in schools located in border towns and outskirts. “In light of recent security concerns and reports of kidnappings, we have launched enhanced patrols at all boarding schools in the state,” Adeleye said. “Over the past week, our teams have visited numerous schools and intensified 24/7 security patrols. Our ember month operations at the borders have also been strengthened to protect residents.” During the exercise, Amotekun paraded three suspected kidnappers—Olamiju (35), Udofia, and Miracle—who were arrested at Agbaje camp in Ala-Dada, Akure North LGA while allegedly planning an abduction. In addition, 13 other suspects were presented for various offences, including theft, armed robbery, and violations of the state’s anti-grazing law. Adeleye highlighted the ongoing Operation Le Won Jade, which covers all 18 local government areas of Ondo State. “This operation has significantly disrupted the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals in the state’s forests,” he said. Among the 34 people arrested in the past week, 16 were paraded, including: Abubakar, 24, for anti-grazing in Ogbese Usman, for stealing a drilling machine Ibuba, for anti-grazing violations Uche, for defrauding POS users Samson, 32, for stealing farm produce Tosin, for robbery and attempted murder Abiola, 25, for attempted murder Samuel, for armed robbery Sunday, 28, Tope, 25, and Dayo, 29, for phone theft Mohamed, for anti-grazing offences Subuloye, for vandalising government property The corps commander reiterated that Amotekun remains committed to protecting residents, securing schools, and maintaining law and order across Ondo State.

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Nigeria and Mali Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Security Collaboration

Nigeria and Mali have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional security challenges. This development followed a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, to Mali’s Prime Minister, General Abdoulaye Maiga, during his participation in the inaugural International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2025) held in Bamako, Mali. The visit marked a key diplomatic moment, with Badaru leading the Nigerian delegation at BAMEX 2025, a platform designed to foster security collaboration and highlight innovations in defence technology across Africa. In a statement issued on Friday by the Minister’s Media Aide, Comrade Mati Ali, Badaru described the reception in Mali as “warm and exemplary,” praised the country’s hospitality, and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation to tackle shared regional security threats. Badaru said, “I bring the goodwill and warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Government and people of Mali. Nigeria is committed to deepening our ties and working closely with Mali to tackle challenges that threaten peace in our region.” He further emphasized that Nigeria views Mali as a strategic partner, with shared security interests making defence collaboration a top priority. In response, Prime Minister Maiga expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s commitment and participation in BAMEX 2025, calling it “a testament to our enduring friendship and mutual respect.” He added, “The Government of Mali values Nigeria’s ongoing support and partnership, especially as we confront various security issues together. Such unity remains critical in safeguarding our nations against current and future threats.” The statement also noted that top military officials from both countries attended the meeting, signaling a shared determination to leverage their resources and experience to enhance security and stability across West Africa. As BAMEX 2025 concluded, both nations pledged renewed efforts to strengthen ties and cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.

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Dele Alake Triples Security Following Death Threats Over Revoked Mining Licences

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has boosted his personal security after receiving multiple death threats from individuals and companies whose mining licences were revoked for failing to comply with government regulations. Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, Alake said the threats, including direct text messages to his phone, became so serious that he had to triple the number of armed personnel protecting him. The event, scheduled for October 13 to 15, 2025, will gather policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders under the theme “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance” to evaluate the sector’s growth. Alake said his strict enforcement of long-neglected mining laws and revocation of dormant licences had angered some powerful individuals and companies. “I’ve had to triple my security because of threats from those whose licences were revoked,” he said. “One even sent me a text message directly threatening me.” He added that some affected parties have resorted to intimidation, media attacks, and blackmail to stop the reforms. “They’ve tried everything to make us reverse our decisions. But we are battle-hardened and will not retreat,” he said. Under Alake’s leadership, 3,794 mining titles have been revoked, including 1,263 licences in the last two years. Expanding his security detail goes against President Bola Tinubu’s directive limiting ministers to five security personnel and three convoy vehicles as part of federal cost-cutting measures. The minister said the crackdown targets inactive licence holders to restore transparency and credibility to the sector. “We found operators holding licences for over a decade without paying fees or carrying out exploration,” he said. “Enforcing these regulations is essential to stop this impunity.” Alake also revealed that some companies have threatened international arbitration after failing to meet local requirements. “One firm that hasn’t paid fees for years is now threatening international arbitration. I want to see a court side with a company that violated our laws,” he said. Describing the threats as “the price of reform,” Alake said the ministry would continue its efforts to sanitize the solid minerals industry. “This is about principle, not personality. We cannot keep doing things the same way and expect different results,” he said. He noted that the ministry is enforcing the “use it or lose it” clause in mining licences, similar to global land ownership rules. “Just as a certificate of occupancy requires development within a set time, mining licences must be used or forfeited,” he explained.  

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VP Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Food Security at UN Summit

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – July 28, 2025Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the country’s strong commitment to food and nutrition security while addressing global leaders at the United Nations Food Systems Summit held at the iconic African Hall of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Speaking at the summit, Shettima emphasized that food insecurity is a global challenge that “knows no borders” and called for collective international action. He outlined Nigeria’s strategic approach, highlighting the Presidential Initiative on Food Security, which aims to scale up the production of maize, rice, cassava, and wheat using climate-smart solutions. “Nutrition is at the heart of Nigeria’s vision,” he stated, citing the integration of food and nutrition targets into national frameworks such as the National Development Plan and Agenda 2050. The Vice President also spotlighted the Nutrition 774 initiative, designed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level by reaching all 774 local government areas in Nigeria — turning “pledges into meals,” he said. Shettima noted that Nigeria is embracing innovation to transform its agricultural sector. “The Fourth Industrial Revolution is driving our agricultural systems, through the use of artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, and satellite-driven climate intelligence,” he said. These technologies, he added, are enhancing transparency, boosting production, improving market access, and reducing food waste. Highlighting strategic partnerships, the Vice President pointed to collaborations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to develop Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. These zones, he said, are creating jobs, attracting investment, and linking local farmers to global markets. He concluded by emphasizing the role of nutrition education and school feeding programs in securing long-term outcomes, stating that they are essential for “building healthier futures” for Nigerian children.

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Abia Government Denies Claims of Hiring Eastern Security Network (ESN) for Security

Abia Government Denies Claims of Hiring Eastern Security Network for Security

The Abia State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media that Governor Alex Otti approved the engagement of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to combat crime and protect farmers in the state. The government labeled the report, attributed to an anonymous blogger, as false and malicious, aimed at spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary tension in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, 2025, by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the government reiterated that it does not support the involvement of non-state actors in addressing crime. The statement emphasized that the Otti administration continues to work with conventional security agencies, citing the successful implementation of “Operation Crush,” a joint security taskforce tackling crime statewide. Ekeoma also addressed the resurgence of the false report, stating that similar claims had been circulated before but were ignored. The government warned those responsible for spreading the fake news, promising severe consequences for those found inciting fear and violence. Abia residents were urged to ignore the misleading information and trust in the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure their safety.

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