Niger State

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A woman, Mariya Abdullahi, has been arrested for allegedly poisoning her co-wife’s 2 children in Takuti community, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving one dead and the other hospitalised.

The victims, aged 4 and 9, reportedly became unconscious after drinking a substance suspected to be poison, which Abdullahi allegedly gave them in a cup.

The incident occurred on Friday, November 6. One of the children died shortly after being taken to a nearby clinic, while the other was referred to a general hospital, where she was receiving treatment.

Abdullahi reportedly told police investigators that she committed the act because she had been unable to bear a child for her husband. She also claimed that a friend influenced her decision.

The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Saturday, saying the suspect would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation.

He said, “On 6th November, 2026 at about 6am, a report was received in Lapai Div that one Mariya Abdullahi of Takuti via Lapai administered some substance suspected to be poison to the children of her co-wife.

“The Police operatives moved to the scene, discovered the two children, who were 9 & 4yrs, were given the substance to drink, and as a result, they became unconscious.

“They were immediately rushed to a nearby clinic, but on arrival at the clinic, one of the victims gave up the ghost and the other was referred to the general hospital responding to the treatment.

“The suspect was arrested and she is undergoing further interrogation. She claimed that she was influenced by a friend to commit the act because she couldn’t bear a child for her husband.

“She will soon be transferred to SCID Minna for diligent prosecution.”

By Aliyu Umar Aliyu

‎As global climate diplomacy shifts from promises to practical implementation, Niger State can position its emerging carbon market initiative as a vehicle for investment, job creation, and sustainable development. For Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as the Farmer Governor, the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for November 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, offers a strategic platform to advance the state’s green economy vision.

‎The conference will bring together governments, investors, climate finance institutions, development partners and environmental experts to discuss practical responses to climate change. For Niger State, however, participation should go beyond showcasing its environmental ambitions. The priority should be to secure credible partnerships, develop investment-ready projects and establish a clear pathway for converting its natural resources into measurable climate and economic benefits.

‎Governor Bago’s vision presents an opportunity to connect climate action with Niger State’s agricultural strength, forest resources, renewable energy potential and waste-management needs. If properly developed, these assets could support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating employment, improving energy access and strengthening rural livelihoods.

‎Niger State’s participation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024 offered an early opportunity to promote its green economy agenda, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and forest conservation. COP31 should build on that engagement by moving from international advocacy towards practical project development and investment mobilisation.

‎From Green Economy Vision to Carbon Market Investment

‎Carbon markets provide a potential mechanism for financing projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. Under recognised crediting systems, a carbon credit generally represents one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced or removed, subject to the applicable methodology and verification requirements.

‎For Niger State, opportunities could include methane capture at landfills, climate-smart rice cultivation, solar mini-grids and forest restoration. These initiatives could attract investors while supporting the state’s wider development objectives.

‎However, natural resources alone do not guarantee carbon revenue. Projects must demonstrate credible emissions reductions, additionality, appropriate monitoring and independent verification. They must also comply with relevant national regulations and international carbon market requirements.

‎This is particularly important as Niger State seeks to position itself as a pioneer in subnational carbon market development in Nigeria. The ambition to become the country’s first subnational government to open its carbon market to investment and to advance towards international carbon-credit sales could be significant.

‎The proposed Niger State Carbon Market Office could play a central role by coordinating project identification, technical assessments, investor engagement, regulatory compliance and stakeholder participation. Its effectiveness will depend on a clear mandate, adequate expertise, transparent procedures and coordination with the relevant federal authorities.

‎International cooperation could accelerate this process. In correspondence with the Niger State team on a post-feasibility mission action plan, myclimate’s Article 6 Bilateral Cooperation Team said a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) on project development and carbon market activities was undergoing internal legal review, with the intention of finalising it before COP31.

‎The correspondence, signed on behalf of the team by Nsikan-George Emana, Senior Project Manager for Bilateral Cooperation at myclimate, proposed November 12, 2026, for a strategic meeting with the Niger State Government, during which the parties hope to sign the agreement.

‎The proposed engagement offers an opportunity to establish a framework for technical cooperation, project development and potential international market participation. Nevertheless, the MoU remains prospective until formally concluded, and its existence should not be mistaken for evidence that investment has already been secured or carbon credits sold.

‎Niger State should approach the meeting with clearly defined priorities, including project timelines, financing arrangements, responsibilities, community safeguards and measurable implementation targets.

‎Article 6 and the International Opportunity

‎The proposed partnership is particularly relevant to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which provides frameworks for international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At COP29 in November 2024, countries made significant progress on the rules governing international carbon trading and the UN-supervised carbon crediting mechanism.

‎Under Article 6.2, countries can cooperate through internationally transferred mitigation outcomes, subject to applicable accounting and authorisation requirements. Article 6.4 provides a UN-supervised crediting mechanism, while Article 6.8 addresses non-market approaches.

‎For Niger State, these frameworks could create opportunities to develop projects that attract international finance and contribute to Nigeria’s climate commitments. However, the state must work within Nigeria’s national climate governance arrangements. International transfers under Article 6 cannot be treated as an exclusively state-level transaction where national authorisation and accounting are required.

‎Potential projects should therefore be developed with appropriate technical, legal and financial support.

‎Landfill methane management, for instance, could reduce emissions from decomposing organic waste while improving sanitation. Rice farmers in suitable production areas, including Loguma in Agaie, could be assessed for alternative wetting and drying practices that may reduce methane emissions. Solar mini-grids could expand electricity access, while carefully designed forest restoration projects could support carbon removal and protect ecosystems.

‎Each initiative requires a feasibility assessment to establish its emissions-reduction potential, costs, commercial viability and social and environmental implications. Farmers and host communities must also understand their rights, obligations and expected benefits before participating.

‎The central objective should be to develop a credible pipeline of bankable projects rather than announce projected carbon-credit volumes without adequate technical evidence.

‎Making Climate Finance Work for the People

‎International experience offers Niger State useful lessons. Germany’s energy transition demonstrates the importance of sustained investment and policy support for renewable energy. Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate solar complex illustrates the potential of large-scale clean energy infrastructure, while China’s solar and electric vehicle industries demonstrate how investment in green technologies can support industrial development. Rwanda’s landscape restoration initiatives also offer lessons on linking environmental protection with community livelihoods.

‎Niger State should adapt these experiences to its own circumstances, particularly its agricultural economy, rural energy needs and environmental challenges.

‎Ultimately, the value of Governor Bago’s carbon market vision will be measured by its impact on people’s lives. Carbon finance should support employment, improve energy access, strengthen agricultural productivity and generate transparent benefits for participating communities.

‎The state should establish clear benefit-sharing arrangements, disclose project revenues and legitimate costs, and provide independent oversight of project performance. It must also guard against exaggerated emissions claims, unclear land rights and agreements that leave communities without a fair share of the benefits.

‎As the proposed November 12 meeting approaches, Niger State’s delegation should arrive in Antalya with well-defined project proposals, feasibility findings, investment requirements and a clear negotiating position. The relevant state institutions, legal experts and technical personnel should work together, involving federal authorities wherever national approval is necessary.

‎The success of COP31 should not be measured by the number of meetings held or agreements announced, but by concrete progress towards financing, implementing and verifying climate projects.

‎Governor Bago’s green economy vision can create new opportunities for Niger State, but credibility will be essential. An MoU is a starting point, not an investment guarantee; a proposed project is not a verified carbon credit, and a credit is not automatically authorised for international transfer.

‎COP31 should therefore bridge Niger State’s carbon market ambition and measurable development at home. By combining credible partnerships, transparent governance and commercially viable projects, the state can strengthen its position in Nigeria’s emerging carbon market landscape while ensuring that climate action delivers tangible benefits for its people.

Aliyu Umar is a Public Affairs analyst and can be reached via aliyuumar721@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bandits who abducted 15 students of an Islamic school in Niger State have reportedly demanded more than ₦100 million for their release.

The schoolteacher, Malam Aminu Bako, confirmed the ransom demand on Wednesday, saying the kidnappers had contacted village leaders following the abduction.

Bako also released the names of the 15 students still in captivity and appealed to the government to deploy military personnel to rescue them.

He expressed concern over what he described as the lack of substantial rescue efforts since the incident, noting that local vigilantes, the school and the victims’ families had been making efforts to secure their freedom.

According to him, the only government and security officials who had visited the community were the acting chairman of Rafi Local Government Area and the Divisional Police Officer.

Bako further disclosed that information gathered by local vigilantes suggested that the children were still being held somewhere in Niger State, inside an isolated building guarded by heavily armed men.

“We heard that they are still within Niger State, locked in a building, probably without food. We are worried; we want the authorities to come to our aid to rescue them,” he said.

He maintained that military intervention was necessary to secure the students’ release.

The 15 abducted students were identified as:

1. Hassana Isah
2. Aliya Ahmad
3. Hajara Musa
4. Hauwa’u Abubakar
5. Halima Yahaya
6. Asma’u Jamilu
7. Radiya Salisu
8. Aminatu Salisu
9. Aisha Bello
10. Rahinatu Sani
11. Aminatu Alhassan
12. Nafisa Ayuba
13. Bilkisu Adamu
14. Salaha Abdullahi
15. Hajara Salisu

The students were reportedly abducted while assisting their Islamic schoolteacher, Bako, on his farm at Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area over the weekend.

The development has renewed calls for urgent security intervention to ensure the safe return of the children.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The students were reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while assisting their Mallam with maize harvesting on his farm in Tungan-Bako village.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, clarifying that the number of abducted students was 14, not 50 as claimed in some reports.

According to the police spokesman, preliminary information indicated that the students were helping their Islamic school teacher harvest maize when the gunmen struck.

He said joint security operatives had commenced rescue operations to secure the students’ release.

Abiodun added that further developments would be communicated as efforts to rescue the victims continued.

The abduction adds to concerns over the safety of students and residents in parts of Niger State, particularly communities exposed to attacks by suspected bandits.

The Daily Reality

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector presents a bittersweet story for the country and its people, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Mining has created wealth, jobs and economic opportunities for individuals and communities. In mineral-rich areas, it has provided livelihoods and opened new sources of income. At the same time,  illegal mining activities have contributed to insecurity, environmental degradation, exploitation and social disorder in some communities.

Since 2023, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has undergone significant reforms to modernise the industry, strengthen regulation and enforcement, attract investment, and shift the country away from exporting raw minerals toward local processing and value addition.

There has also been growing interest in critical minerals, particularly lithium, alongside efforts to formalise artisanal mining and improve government revenue from the sector.

Some reports say revenue from the solid minerals sector rose from about ₦16 billion in 2023 to ₦38 billion in 2024, and from approximately ₦68.1 billion to over ₦70 billion in 2025.

The niger state tragedy in which  37 young lives were lost is being linked to illegal mining, official negligence and unprofessionalism by some Civil Defence officers 

Illegal mining is the exploration, extraction, processing or trading of mineral resources without the licences, permits or regulatory approvals required by law, or in violation of the conditions governing such activities.

Nigeria has an established legal and regulatory framework for mining, primarily under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, along with subsequent legislation affecting the sector. The Nigeria Tax Act 2025, which took effect on January 1, 2026, also introduced changes affecting mining taxation and mineral royalties.

Therefore, not every person found around a mining site is necessarily an illegal miner. The important questions include: Who holds the mining title? Is the operation properly licensed? Are the miners operating within the approved area and under the approved conditions? Are the required royalties, taxes and fees being paid? And are environmental and safety requirements being observed?

Despite improvements in regulation, modernisation and enforcement, illegal mining, insecurity and environmental degradation remain interconnected challenges in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The problem is not simply the absence of laws. Nigeria already has extensive mining legislation and regulatory institutions. Rather, poverty, unemployment, weak enforcement capacity, informal economic activity, insecurity and limited government presence in some remote areas can create conditions in which illegal mining thrives.

This is particularly important in rural communities where artisanal mining may provide livelihoods for families with few alternative sources of income.

Nigeria’s challenge, therefore, is not merely to stop illegal mining, but to bring legitimate artisanal miners into the formal economy, enforce the law against criminal mining operations, protect host communities and the environment, improve security around mining areas, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth translates into sustainable development.

Nigeria is richly endowed with solid minerals. The ultimate objective should be to ensure that the wealth beneath the ground becomes prosperity above the ground, legally, safely and sustainably.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least three people have died while several others sustained injuries after a stampede at the Niger State Government House in Minna.

The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night after a large crowd gathered at the Government House. The injured victims were taken to the General Hospital in Minna for treatment.

Reports indicated that the gathering was initially linked to efforts by government officials to engage youths who were planning a protest over the recent deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the state.

Two of the victims were identified as Dije and her daughter, Hurairat, who were internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Hurairat’s husband, Abubakar, was reportedly killed by bandits in 2023 along the Allawa–Pandogari Road. Following repeated attacks that forced residents to abandon the community, Hurairat relocated to Minna as an IDP.

Sources said Dije, who was living with her husband in Gurmana, had travelled to visit her daughter when they heard reports that money would be distributed at the Government House. They subsequently joined the crowd.

Mallam Musa Allawa, an IDP, told journalists that the mother and daughter were scheduled to be buried on Wednesday morning.

Earlier, some government appointees had posted on social media that youths gathered at the Government House to express solidarity with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

However, a government source said the crowd later increased after reports spread that the governor would distribute N10,000 to people who gathered at the venue.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government would issue an official statement on the incident.

The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, also said he would verify the incident and provide further details.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

The Ulama Forum in Northern Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of 37 young Nigerians, including teenagers as young as 16, by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

In a press release signed by Convener Aminu Inuwa Muhammad and Secretary Engr Basheer Adamu Aliyu, the Forum described the killings as “shocking, disgusting and dastardly” and called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation.

The Forum also raised alarm over reports of armed tribal militants attacking Fulani settlements in Mbamnga, Mambilla, Taraba State, particularly Wuro Geroji, where several people and livestock were reportedly killed, homes burnt, and hundreds of women and children forced to flee to Cameroon.

The Ulama Forum urged the Federal Government to ensure appropriate compensation and relief (diyyah) for victims’ families, strengthen security in vulnerable communities, prosecute those found culpable, provide humanitarian assistance to displaced persons, and facilitate the safe return of those who fled to Cameroon.

It emphasised that the protection of human life remains a fundamental responsibility of government and security institutions, stressing that every Nigerian deserves protection regardless of ethnicity, religion or location.

The Forum extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for eternal rest for the departed, healing for the injured and displaced, and lasting peace, security and justice for Nigeria.

By Anwar Usman

Former Vice President of Nigeria and the Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar has promised to support the education of Yusuf Aliyu, a teenage artisanal miner in Niger State whose video went viral following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.

Atiku made the promise in a statement on X on Sunday after watching the teenager speak at a mining site, saying Aliyu’s intelligence and confidence should be nurtured in a classroom rather than at a mining site.

“I have watched Yusuf Aliyu’s video repeatedly, and each time, my heart breaks. A child with such intelligence, clarity and confidence should be in a classroom building his future—not struggling for survival in a community surrounded by gold but buried in poverty.

“I cannot look at him and see an ‘illegal miner.’ I see a Nigerian child failed by the country that should have protected him. I see brilliance trapped by poverty and enormous promise abandoned by leadership,” the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate said.

Aliyu, interviewed by News Central Television in a video that has circulated online, alleged that personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had been shooting at miners at a gold mining site in Niger State.

Atiku said the teenager’s experience highlighted serious concerns about poverty in communities with mineral resources, as well as the management of Nigeria’s mining sector.

“But this video raises a question that should trouble the conscience of every Nigerian: how can a community sitting upon gold remain so poor that it cannot educate its children? How can its wealth leave the soil while hunger and deprivation remain in its homes?”

“This is an indictment of the Tinubu administration. The Federal Government controls Nigeria’s mineral resources, yet the communities producing that wealth remain without schools, opportunities or protection.”

The former vice president also called for Aliyu’s protection, warning that his public comments should not expose him or his family to intimidation or retaliation.

Atiku further revealed that, Aliyu’s circumstance is as a result of what he described as failures by the government to provide opportunities for children living in mineral-producing communities.

“This boy is evidence against the Tinubu government. His intelligence exposes the opportunities it has failed to provide. His poverty exposes the injustice of Nigeria’s mining economy. His presence at that site exposes an administration that has left brilliant children without a ladder out of deprivation.”

He also demanded explanations from the Federal Government over the status of PAGMI in Niger State and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.

“The government must explain what became of PAGMI in Niger State and how 37 Nigerians died in the custody of a federal agency. Calling them ‘illegal miners’ cannot erase their humanity or excuse their deaths.”

Atiku said he would continue to advocate for children such as Aliyu, stressing the need to protect their lives, education and future.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has appointed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new Commandant of its Niger State Command following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the corps’ custody in Minna.

Kabara replaces Suberu Aniviye, whose suspension as the state commandant followed the deaths recorded on Thursday.

The NSCDC spokesman in Niger State, Abubakar Muti, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that Kabara formally assumed duty and took charge of the command on Friday, September 18.

The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate suspension of Aniviye after the deaths of the 37 suspects.

Muti said the new commandant assumed office at a sensitive period for the command because of the incident involving persons arrested over suspected illegal mining activities in the state.

“The assumption of office comes at a particularly sensitive period for the Command, following the unfortunate deaths of some persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the State,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, Kabara expressed “deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and everyone affected by the unfortunate incident”.

The new commandant reaffirmed the corps’ responsibility to tackle illegal mining through arrests, investigations and enforcement. He, however, stressed that the protection of human life must remain a central consideration.

“At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters,” he said.

“The loss of any human life is painful, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning at this difficult time.”

Kabara also said law enforcement responsibilities must be carried out alongside measures that protect the dignity, safety and welfare of people held in custody.

His deployment comes amid ongoing attention to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners while they were in NSCDC custody in Minna.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A survivor of the incident that reportedly claimed the lives of 37 suspected illegal gold miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recounted what he described as distressing conditions inside the detention facility.

The survivor said several detainees were confined in a small room before more people were brought into the cell.

According to him, 17 people were initially locked inside the room. He said the detainees later complained about the limited space and excessive heat after additional people were brought in.

“They locked us in a very small room. We were 17 in number, then they added more people, and we started complaining that the room was small,” he said.

He said the situation became more difficult when the detainees were instructed to stand as the room was about to be locked.

The survivor also alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside the room. He said the substance appeared to him to resemble perfume and that its smell began to cause discomfort among those inside.

“As they were about to lock the room, they sprayed something that looked like perfume, and the smell started disturbing everyone in the room,” he said.

The account comes amid growing concerns over the deaths of the suspected miners while in NSCDC custody.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths have prompted calls for a thorough investigation into what happened to the detainees and the conditions under which they were held.

The survivor’s account represents his description of events inside the cell. Further investigation would be required to independently establish the nature of the substance allegedly sprayed and whether it had any connection to the deaths.