Lakurawa: Immigration steps up surveillance at borders – Newstrends
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Lakurawa: Immigration steps up surveillance at borders

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Lakurawa: Immigration steps up surveillance at borders

Security agencies have tightened security at the Nigeria/Niger Republic borders, especially within the Sokoto axis.

This followed an alert on the activities of the terror group popularly called Lakurawa, The Nation gathered yesterday.

But officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said there was no cause for alarm about the matter.

The sources said the service had stepped up efforts to frustrate incursions of illegal migrants into the country.

A top NIS official said the service and other security agencies were closely monitoring the borders.

“Since we received the alert on the presence of a new terror group within the Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states’ axis, we have stepped up our game.

“The NIS and other agencies are working in synergy to establish the veracity of some of the claims. We are closely monitoring the situation,” the NIS officer said.

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Also at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, our correspondent gathered that the deployment of recently inaugurated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) has provided an edge for the NIS to secure the country’s land borders.

The BATTIC is fitted with sophisticated technology gadgets for surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation of happenings at all borders, providing the NIS with adequate data for management of migration information.

During the inauguration of the complex, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, announced that the complex would, among others, “support real-time video surveillance to monitor unmanned border areas across the federation, ensuring a constant watch on border activities”.

She added: “Integrated Communication Platform: BATTIC will facilitate seamless communication across all levels — from Border Patrol units to Border Control posts, state commands, the Service headquarters, and the Ministry of Interior.

“Cross-referencing with national and international watch lists: Data will be cross-checked against various national and global security databases, including INTERPOL, to ensure no security threats slip through the cracks.

“In essence, BATTIC will serve as the central hub for our digital infrastructure, dramatically enhancing our surveillance capabilities, streamlining migration management, and strengthening our national security framework,” Mrs. Nandap said.

The NIS source also told The Nation that since the inauguration of the complex, a new phase had opened for the service to deliver on its mandate in border management and security.

Lakurawa: Immigration steps up surveillance at borders

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You saved Nigeria’s democracy by defeating third term agenda, Tinubu tells Nnamani

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President Bola Tinubu and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani

You saved Nigeria’s democracy by defeating third term agenda, Tinubu tells Nnamani

In a dramatic move, President Bola Tinubu has subtly taken aim at former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he praised former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, for his decisive role in thwarting the infamous third-term agenda.

Though Tinubu never directly named Obasanjo, the insinuation was clear. Obasanjo, who had been the mastermind behind the controversial attempt to amend the constitution and secure a third term in office, faced an unambiguous rebuke from the President during his visit to Enugu.

Acknowledging Nnamani’s pivotal role, Tinubu stated that Nnamani and his colleagues’ intervention saved Nigeria’s democracy from those who sought to derail it with the third-term agenda.

The meeting in Enugu on Saturday was part of Tinubu’s official visit, where he met with South East leaders to discuss critical issues concerning the region’s development.

In the same breath, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the Eastern Rail line, connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, a project that remains a key priority.

Tinubu also expressed firm support for the development of the Anambra Basin, an area believed to hold substantial energy reserves, including an estimated 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.

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This move, he assured, would drive Nigeria’s energy future forward.

The President responded to calls from various leaders, including former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and Enugu State’ Chris Ugoh.

Nebo urged Tinubu to prioritize completing the remaining sections of the Eastern Rail line, emphasizing the link’s potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and economic growth.

Ugoh, in his plea, pointed to the untapped energy potential of the Anambra Basin, calling on the federal government to harness this resource not only for the Southeast but also for the Middle Belt and the North.

Security also featured prominently in discussions, with Onyemauche Nnamani, National Commissioner for the Police Service Commission, recommending modern security strategies for the region, similar to the advanced CCTV systems and surveillance patrol vehicles already implemented in Enugu.

Nnamani urged the government to reduce reliance on checkpoints and roadblocks, citing their inefficiency and the heightened risks to security personnel.

Responding to the calls, Tinubu assured that efforts were already underway to address these issues. “This is a work in progress,” he affirmed. “I inherited these critical problems, but I am committed to solving them.”

On the issue of energy infrastructure, Tinubu stressed that gas would be key in Nigeria’s transition from petrol. “We will invest in it, and we’ll do it together. I’m fortunate to have strong governors by my side,” he declared confidently.

With his leadership, Tinubu is charting a new path for Nigeria’s development, one where security, infrastructure, and energy resources are central to the country’s growth.

 

You saved Nigeria’s democracy by defeating third term agenda, Tinubu tells Nnamani

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Air Force schools increase feeding fees by 200%

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Air Force schools increase feeding fees by 200%

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a 200% increase in feeding fees for students in its schools, raising the cost from N500 to N1,500 per meal.

The move, aimed at improving the overall well-being of students, was disclosed by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Abubakar Hasan, during a gathering with veterans at the Logistics Command in Lagos State.

Speaking on the development, NAF Secretary, AVM Ahmed Bakari, said, “The CAS has graciously increased the feeding fees.” He emphasized that the adjustment would ensure that students in NAF schools receive adequate nutrition to support their growth and learning.

Bakari also revealed a shift in admission policies, noting that priority will now be given to NAF personnel and veterans over civilians. “Some of us have been complaining about the number of civilians in our schools, but henceforth, personnel and veterans will be considered first,” he stated.

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In addition to the changes in feeding fees, the Air Force has introduced an accident policy for injured personnel, providing financial support of up to N5 million for injuries sustained during service. Bakari explained, “This policy ensures some form of immediate intervention, offering succour to injured personnel.”

The CAS also highlighted ongoing upgrades to NAF airfields, ensuring 24-hour operational capacity. For instance, Kaduna’s airfield now boasts an Integrated Management System (IMS) and functioning runway lights. Bakari remarked, “The CAS believes there should be no excuses for non-operational airfields at any time of day.”

NAF has further strengthened its combat capabilities by acquiring 12 new platforms in the past 18 months and expects 50 more, including fighter planes and helicopters, between 2025 and 2026. This expansion is anticipated to enhance the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.

The service has also introduced predictive maintenance for its aircraft and established the Air Power Centre of Excellence. Bakari described the centre as a hub for serving and retired officers to share expertise and advance airpower strategies.

These developments underscore NAF’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel and students while enhancing operational efficiency.

 

Air Force schools increase feeding fees by 200%

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Iyabo Ojo reveals harrowing experience of being raped 5 times

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Iyabo Ojo

Iyabo Ojo reveals harrowing experience of being raped 5 times

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, widely known as Queen Mother, has candidly shared deeply personal and traumatic moments from her past. During a conversation with fellow actress Biola Bayo on the talk show Talk to B, aired on Friday, Ojo disclosed that she had been raped five times.

Addressing the troubling issue of rape and societal attitudes toward it, the actress criticized the prevalence of rape apologists and vowed to hold anyone accountable for such actions, regardless of their relationship to her.

“I was raped five times in my life. I discovered we have a lot of rape apologists. I don’t care who the person is; if that person is my son, I am going to come for him unapologetically,” she stated.

Ojo also opened up about her family struggles, recounting how her father disowned her when she decided to marry her late husband against his wishes.

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“The only time I lacked was when I insisted this was the man I was going to get married to because, at that time, my dad and I disowned each other,” she revealed.

The actress further described the challenges her father faced with substance abuse, which ultimately led to his death at just 40 years old.

“My dad did everything, alcohol and drugs, so it messed him up at a young age. He died at 40,” Ojo shared.

Reflecting on her upbringing, the actress noted that she was raised by her grandmother and only met her mother when she was about seven years old.

“I grew up with my grandmother, who is half Delta and half Igbo. I think I was seven before I knew my mother,” she said.

Through these revelations, Iyabo Ojo continues to inspire conversations about resilience, accountability, and societal change.

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Iyabo Ojo reveals harrowing experience of being raped 5 times

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