Nigeria’s government is cracking down on illegal mining, making dozens of arrests of unlicensed miners since April for allegedly stealing the country’s lithium, a critical mineral used in batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones and power systems.

The recent arrests come as Nigeria seeks to regulate its mining operations of critical minerals, curb illegal activity and better benefit from its mineral resources. The clean energy transition, a shift away from coal, oil and gas and toward renewable energy and batteries has spiked global demand for lithium, tin and other minerals. Illegal mines are rife in the country’s fledging industry as corruption among regulatory officials is common and the mineral deposits are located in remote areas with minimal government presence. Officials say profits from illicit mining practices has helped arm militia groups in the north of the county.

In the most recent arrests in mid-May, a joint team of soldiers and police conducted a raid on a remote market in Kishi, in the country’s southwestern Oyo State. Locals said the market, once known for selling farm produce, has become a center for illicit trade in lithium mined in hard-to-reach areas. The three-day operation resulted in the arrest of 32 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, local workers and mineral traders, according to the state government and locals. Loads of lithium were also seized.

Miners work at an illegal tin mining site in Jos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

Jimoh Bioku, a Kishi community leader, said there had been “clandestine searches” for the mineral at remote sites tucked away in the bush in the past years by Chinese nationals before “they engaged people to dig for them and turned the market into a transit point.” The community was “particularly worried about the insecurity that usually follows illegal mining and that was why we reported to the state government,” he said.

China is the dominant player in the global EV supply chain, including in Nigeria where China-owned companies employ mostly vulnerable people leaving Nigeria’s far north — ravaged by conflicts and rapid desertification — to work in mining operations throughout the country. China’s nationals and companies are frequently in the spotlight for environmentally damaging practices, exploitative labor and illicit mining. There have been at least three cases of illegal mining arrests involving Chinese nationals in two months.

President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly blamed illegal mining for the worsening conflicts in the country’s north and asked the international community for help to stop the problem, which provides armed groups with the proceeds needed to sustain and arm themselves.

Women work at an illegal tin mining site in Jos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)

The Chinese embassy in Abuja did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment on the arrests and claims of illegal operations. But in a statement last year following a report by The Times of London alleging Chinese miners were bribing militants for access, the embassy said it “always encouraged and urged the Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria.”

Nigeria is emerging as a new source of lithium in Africa as the world’s largest producers, like Australia and Chile, are unable to fulfill the growing demand worldwide. But illegal activities thrive in Nigeria’s extractive sector, denying the government due revenues, said Emeka Okoro, whose Lagos-based SBM Intelligence firm has researched illicit mining and terrorism financing in northern Nigeria.

And the combination of conflict and climate change effects, such as once fertile land rapidly turning into useless arid sand in northern Nigeria, has produced a cheap workforce for mining sites.

The arrests of “both Chinese nationals and young Hausa boys from conflict-affected regions underscore a troubling pattern,” Okoro told the AP. “The socioeconomic strain stemming from conflict and the repercussions of climate change has given rise to a vulnerable demographic desperate for survival.”

To fight resource theft that causes losses of $9 billion to the government annually, according to the country’s extractive industry transparency watchdog, the West African nation has set up a 2,200-strong “corps of mining marshals” earlier in the year.

A woman works at an Illegal tin mining site in Jos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)Read More

While existing law enforcement agencies are still combating the problem, the new corps is geared at curbing “the nefarious activities of illegal miners,” said Segun Tomori, spokesperson for the solid minerals ministry.

Before the Kishi raid, the mining corps arrested two trucks laden with lithium on the outskirts of the capital Abuja in April. Later that month, the corps raided a location in Karu, Nasarawa State, near Abuja, leading to the arrest of four Chinese nationals and the seizure of tons of lithium. Tomori said the cases are now in court.

On April 22, a federal court in Ilorin, in the north-central region, convicted two Chinese nationals for illegal mining and sentenced them to a one-year jail term, although with an option of a fine.

Nigeria has long neglected the solid minerals sector, which allows some communities like the northern-central town of Jos — which is tin-abundant — to depend on subsistence mining for their livelihood.

For those communities where livelihood is tied to mining, Tomori said the government is encouraging artisanal miners there to form cooperatives and operate legally.

Source: Apnews.com, Author: Taiwo Adebayo

The post Nigeria is emerging as a critical mineral hub. The government is cracking down on illegal operations appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Last week, 22-year-old Uwavera Omozuwa was raped and killed as she sat in a church near her home in Benin City, causing uproar and mass protests across Nigeria.

Omozuwa’s family received a call from a woman at the Redeemed Christian Church of God on Wednesday evening informing them of the attack. The young woman was rushed to hospital after a security guard at the church found her gravely injured, with her skirt torn and her shirt covered in blood. Tragically, Uwavera died in hospital three days later.

Omozuwa had just been admitted to the University of Benin to study microbiology when she was murdered. She often used the church as a quiet place to study. Local reports indicate that a group of men entered the church and began attacking her with a fire extinguisher, before raping and killing her. In response to the killing, The University of Benin said that the “shocking” crime “should not be condoned by any society.” 

The murder has sparked huge protests across the country, with the hashtag #JusticeForUwa trending on Twitter. On Monday, a group of protesters dressed in all-black, marched to the state police headquarters in Benin City to demand answers. 

In a statement, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the global head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God ⁠— the denomination of the church in which Uwa was murdered ⁠— said: “All I can do at this time is to pray for the family of Omozuwa and do everything possible working with relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to book.”

Some reports indicate that one suspect in the case has been apprehended by police after they discovered his fingerprints on the fire extinguisher, while other have criticised the police for their lack of urgency in collecting evidence and tracking down the culprits. 

Sexual assault and rape is widespread in Nigeria, with a 2014 national survey revealing that one in four women reported experiencing sexual violence during childhood. There have been repeated calls for the government to do more to combat the issue. 

Osai Ojigho, the director for Amnesty International in Nigeria, said: “The method the state has been using over the years, clearly has not moved with the intensity required to deter rapists and potential rapists and to protect women and girls.” 

Last year, anti-rape campaigners celebrated the launch of Nigeria’s first sex offender register as a crucial step towards tackling the endemic issue.

Source: premierchristian.news

Send your news, stories or articles to info@chrife.com.gh or via Whatsapp +2332550144803

The post Family demand justice for Nigerian student murdered in church appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Source: ghanasportsonline.com

The post Ghana Could face Nigeria in Round of 16 appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

The islanders continued writing their beautiful story at the Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2019, remaining unbeaten in the group stage matches to finish on seven points. They will meet one of the four best placed number three teams in the last 16.

With the defeat, Nigeria finish second and will meet the second placed team from Group F in Alexandria next weekend. Elsewhere in Cairo, Guinea beat Burundi 2-0 in the other Group B clash. Guinea has four points and is hoping to finish as one of the four best third placed teams.

Madagascar went to the break a goal up, and deservedly so. They had been more patient in the build-up, stuck to their shape and when they had an opportunity, broke on the counter.

They were handed a gift on a golden platter by Balogun who fumbled with a pass before Nomenjanahary pounced and rounded keeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa to break the deadlock after just 12 minutes.

Ezenwa was coming in for his first match being among the changes effected by coach Gernot Rohr from the 1-0 win against Guinea. Others who came in were skipper John Obi Mike, William Troost Ekong, Samuel Kalu and John Ogu.

In a slow start to the game, Nigeria had the first sniff at goal in the eighth minute when Ahmed Musa’s freekick from the edge of the box after Odion Ighalo was fouled going over.

In the 18th minute, six after they had conceded, Nigeria came close when Kalu picked the ball on the right before making an attempt with a curling effort off his left boot that went just wide.

On the half hour mark, Romain Metanire made a superb tackle to poke the ball off Musa’s feet as he prepared to tap into an empty net after the winger had picked up a cross inside the box before rounding the keeper.

Nigeria started the second half with Rohr making a switch, Ogu coming off for Wilfred Ndidi who had been rested.

But, Madagascar were not about to have their backs against the wall and eight minutes into the second half, when Andriamahitsinoro stood behind a freekick, it was all sealed. He curled the ball beautifully and it deflected on the end of the wall before dipping past Ezenwa.

Nigeria sought to give an immediate reply and Ndidi came close with a shot on the half turn that went straight into the keeper’s arms. In the 65th minute, Etebo had a chance with a freekick, but he hit it slightly over the bar.

Rohr made more changes, Alex Iwobi coming on for Mikel while Kalu paved way for Moses Simon. But, the die was cast and the jury was out, The Barea kept their three points.

What they said:

Madagascar coach Nicolas Dupuis:

I am so delighted because of how we played today. I am very proud of my players and I would like to congratulate them for this result. It was a job well done and this is a big victory for us.

I was happy when I learned about the groups because we were playing good teams and we had a chance to prove ourselves. I am happy that we did.

Lalaina Nomenjanahary, goal scorer Madagascar

This is a proud day for every Madagascar player and all the people back at home. We were saddened with the tragedy that happened on the Independence Day and we wanted to give the Malagasy people a gift.

We are pleased and more so to finish top of this group and beating a big team like Nigeria.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr

We lost to a good team because Madagascar was the first to qualify for the tournament and there is no shame in losing to such a team.

Madagascar was the better team today. We started with giving them a gift and after, we could not find a solution. We made five changes because we wanted to give rest to some players and also preserve those with cards.

Sometimes it happens when you are already qualified; the players are relaxed and playing easy.

Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo:

I think this is a wake up call for us, today, we played very poorly, we were relaxed and our mentality was not very good. Probably it is because we were already qualified but this game has shown us that there is no easy team in this competition.

We have to go back, regroup and ensure we do well for the next game which is a match with no room for mistakes.

Source: cafonline.com

The post Madagascar Beats Nigeria to Top Group B appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Second half substitute Odion Ighalo scored the only goal after 77 minutes in Alexandria with a curled finish past Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana.

Burundi – the lowest-ranked side at the tournament – had struck the crossbar in the first half through defender Frederic Nsabiyumva’s looping header.

Guinea face Madagascar in the other Group B match later on Saturday.

• What to look out for at the Africa Cup of Nations
• What can we expect from day two in Egypt?

FC Midtjylland striker Paul Onuachu had Nigeria’s first real chance on goal after 12 minutes as his header forced Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana in to action.

Burundi, 134th in the world standings, remained unfazed and Cedric Amissi’s close-range shot required a good save from Nigeria’s Daniel Akpeyi.

Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Villarreal 20-year-old Samuel Chukwueze offered the Super Eagles’ main attacking threat, but Gernot Rohr’s side were frustrated by a resolute and organised Burundi side – captained by Stoke City striker Saido Berahino – until Ighalo’s introduction.

The Shanghai Greenland Shenhua striker, formerly of Watford, produced a quality finish just four minutes after entering the field, following Ola Aina’s delightful back-heeled pass.

Nigeria were without striker Samuel Kalu, who had been taken to hospital after suffering from “severe dehydration” in training on Friday – a day after players’ union Fifpro had called for the tournament organisers to increase their planned number of heat breaks from two to four per match.

The Super Eagles now face Guinea on Wednesday (15:30 BST), while Burundi take on fellow debutants Madagascar on Thursday (15:30).

The post Nigeria Beats AFCON Debutants Burundi appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.

Police spokesman of state, inspector Magaji Musa Maaji told PRNigeria that the suspects were arrested and marched after the victim of the picture that was distributed, filed an official complaint to police command.

Magaji said: “We received a complaint from a married woman and a civil servant, Mrs Bushirat Madaki, that her picture is being shared on WhatsApp group with the intent to malign and incite the public against her.

“Upon receiving the complaint, the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Rabiu Yusuf ordered an immediate investigation by a special team who were able to trace and arrest three married suspects a man and two women for circulating the fake and offensive information.

“When confronted over the petition against them, the suspects admitted that the image and material on the woman were shared and forwarded in their group.

“They also admitted that they didn’t know the woman in person and have never had interaction with her before distributing the image and the story. They, therefore, sought forgiveness.

“For now, the Police Command has granted the suspects bails because the offence his bailable while further investigation is ongoing.

“The police command is also currently providing security cover for the innocent woman for fear of mob attacks because her image and the false report on her have gone viral.”

The police spokesperson said it is an offence to share and circulate fake news that could undermine national security or incite the public against innocent people.

“We call on social media users to be wary of what they receive and share or forward on social media, especially WhatsApp.

“We should guard against the misuse of social media platforms by sharing and forwarding objectionable or fake messages”, Maaji added

The post Police arrested WhatsApp group admin and members for sharing post appeared first on Chrife.com.gh.