FG set to deploy drones in Nigeria’s borders – Newstrends
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FG set to deploy drones in Nigeria’s borders

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Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Adepoju

FG set to deploy drones in Nigeria’s borders

The Federal Government has revealed plans to deploy drones to monitor and safeguard the extensive borders of Nigeria.

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, made this known during a press conference on Tuesday, outlining the activities planned for this year’s International Migrants’ Day.

Adepoju disclosed that the Federal Government was in talks with the Chinese tech giant, Huawei, to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) for bolstering border security measures.

Addressing concerns raised over the use of drones in the wake of the accidental bombing in Kaduna, Adepoju clarified that these drones would be utilized solely for monitoring and relaying information in real time. She emphasized that the focus is on surveying and intelligence gathering, with additional ground personnel in place.

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“We don’t use bombs; ours is to survey and gather intelligence. We also have boots on the ground,” she assured, underscoring the Service’s commitment to improving existing measures for the security of Nigeria’s borders.

Discussing the challenges posed by smugglers, Adepoju highlighted that the NIS had apprehended over 522 human traffickers and their victims in 2023. She characterized human smuggling as a serious transnational crime that not only exploits vulnerable individuals but also undermines national borders and security.

Adepoju emphasized the significance of International Migrants’ Day in rallying efforts to combat crime, protect migrants, and address the root causes contributing to human smuggling networks. She affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preventing and combating such activities, prioritizing the welfare and dignity of its citizens.

The week-long activities planned for International Migrants’ Day will involve a sensitization program in parks, schools, and other public places across the country, fostering awareness and understanding of the importance of border security and the fight against human smuggling.

FG set to deploy drones in Nigeria’s borders

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Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit

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Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit

 

President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.

A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.

It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”

Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.

“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”

The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.

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Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers

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Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers

 

A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.

The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.

He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.

This is  coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.

The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.

It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.

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Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct 

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Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct 

 

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.

Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.

Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency

The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.

Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.

“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively

“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.

Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.

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