By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Government has announced plans to cancel its Visa-on-Arrival policy and introduce landing and exit cards, which prospective visitors will pre-fill before coming into the country.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in Abuja during the closing ceremony of a weeklong capacity building training organised for personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The training was on Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record API/PNR Data in National Security and Law Enforcement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FG had in 2020 unveiled the Visa-on-Arrival policy, a class of short-stay visa issued at the point of entry.

However, Tunji-Ojo had on assumption of office in 2023 said that the Visa-on-Arrival Policy would, henceforth, be based on reciprocity.

This visa is often given to frequently travelled high net worth investors and intending visitors who may not be able to obtain visas in their countries of residence due to the absence of Nigerian missions or embassies in those countries.

The Minister of Interior, however, said that the API/PNR was not optional, recalling that the system was not in place when he was made minister.

According to him, what the API, PNR gives is objectivity in decision making, objective profiling, not subjective profiling.

He added that what existed previously was subjective.

“Today, we have heard and we have sorted the API across all of our five international airports.

“We think that what we need to do is for us to be able to expand the capability of this in an adaptive manner to allow other border posts.

“The visa system that is one of the core, because I always tell people the visa is not just an approval of entry, it is a migration management device.

“It is a security device to manage migration into your country. So, the way it is at the moment is very subjective.

“We are not really too objective and that is why we are automating the whole process end-to-end.

“And the e-visa solution, we are working hard to be able to meet the March 1st or peradventure if we are unable, April 1st, we will hit it live,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo said that the system would be automated, adding that people would apply online and the service would do what it needed to do.

He said: “That solution will be integrated with the Interpol System, the criminal records system, so that we can be able to take decisions.

“We do not want foreign attachés approving and issuing visas. It is not going to be that way anymore, we want to be able to screen people more.

“Nigeria cannot be a destination for wanted criminals in the world. Nigeria is not a safe haven for any criminal and it will never be.

“Another thing we are trying to do even for our expatriates is to see how we can integrate all these our immigration solutions.

“What we are doing is to harmonise all these solutions in our data centre, harmonise the database and be able to let the solutions speak to one another rather than having solutions in silos.

“We want to have integrated solutions. So, what we are looking at is for any decision that borders on immigration into Nigeria.

“It will be impossible for approvals to be given without the clearance of Interpol, criminal records system and all background checking agencies in real time.

“Security is not a sector where you can afford to be 99.9 per cent correct. You just have to be 100 per cent. We believe that it is better for us to take decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity.

“And of course, that will lead to the cancellation of the visa-on-arrival process because the visa-on-arrival we understand is not a system that works, because I don’t expect you to just come into my country without me knowing that you are coming into my country.

“No, it is never done anywhere and of course, we are also introducing what we call the landing and exit card.

“We do it now, but it is manual. We are not going to be doing that anymore. This is 2025. This is not 1825. So, technology must take its place,” he said.

Speaking further, Tunji-Ojo said that people must fill the landing card which would be integrated with the visa solution, the passport solution, and to all background checking systems across the world before a visitor comes.

According to him, the ministry will be able to share this data with other agencies and across the world, to sanitise the process.

He said, “A scenario where it is difficult for NIS, on the tip of a finger, to tell me the number of foreigners who are entering into Nigeria is unacceptable.

“A scenario where somebody comes into Nigeria, disappears and becomes untraceable is unacceptable. A scenario where there is abuse of immigration policies and processes is unacceptable.

“A scenario where somebody needs to come to Nigeria, stay for six months, waiting to regularise their residency in Nigeria is unacceptable. It is not done anywhere in the world.

“So, we are going to bring these massive reforms and these reforms start between March 1 and April 1.

“Why we are trying to do these is to be able to safeguard our people, it’s for us to be responsible in the comity of nations, and for us to be able to contribute our fair quota to international peace,” he maintained.

Earlier, the NIS Comptroller-General, Mrs Kemi Nandap, said that the programme originated from discussions held with the United Nations Organisation on Counter Terrorism in Bangkok, Thailand in 2024.

“We recognise the need to fully maximise the administration’s investments in this project, and so we must engage in a lot of capacity building.

“We have successfully trained over 100 officers drawn from critical areas,” she said.

Nandap said the service had a crop of well-trained and patriotic personnel who were ready to give their best to the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says troops have in the last one week eliminated a total of 82 terrorists, nabbed 198 others and rescued 93 kidnapped hostages.

This Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known while giving an update on the operations of the military in Abuja.

Kangye said the troops also recovered 152 assorted arms and ammunition as well as five magazines among others.

He added that troops recovered 86 and 2,040 assorted weapons and ammunition comprising 46 AK47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated guns, 19 dane guns, three pump action guns, 1,165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 128 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

He added that troops also recovered 600 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammo, 51 cartridges as well as other three assorted arms and 96 assorted ammunitions.

Kangye said the troops apprehended 22 perpetrators of oil theft in the South South region and foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about N587m.

According to him, the breakdown includes: 366,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 117,320 litres of illegally refined AGO and 600 litres of DPK.

“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 38 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, teo speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums and 32 illegal refining sites.

“Other items recovered include three pumping machines, one tricycle, three motorcycles, five mobile phones and two vehicles among others,” he said.

The defence spokesman said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the surrender of 41 terrorists comprising 10 adult males, 12 adult females and 19 children within the North East theatre of operation.

He said the terrorists surrendered with one PKT gun, one AK 47 Rifle with two magazines, one AK 101 Rifle with two magazines, 135 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 59 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 28 rounds of 5.56mm ammo.

According to him, gallant men and women of the armed forces will continue to carry out constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians in line with our constitutional roles. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Monday Ijeh

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has appealed for the repatriation of proceeds of crimes belonging to Nigeria, held by some countries of the world.

Olukoyede made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the handover of recovered proceeds of crime to the Embassies of Spain, Switzerland and the United States of America on behalf of the victims.

According to him, the handover of the items to the victims is in line with the commitment of the Federal Government to international cooperation and synergy.

The EFCC boss said it was also to prove to the world that Nigeria was not a safe haven for financial crimes.

“We are doing this to demonstrate to the countries involved that it is within the confines of international treaty, legal process and convention.

“Once properties or assets are recovered on behalf of a country, it is important to expedite action for restitution.

“We are demonstrating this to the world, and we expect that the rest of the world will also reciprocate the same gesture towards Nigeria.

“We are using this opportunity to appeal to those countries that are holding the proceeds of crimes, recovered on behalf of Nigeria not to continue to sit on those assets,” he said.

Olukoyede said the assets were properties of Nigeria, adding that, within the purview of the law, a recipient of proceeds of crime that sits over it is an accessory to the crime.

The EFCC boss said it was important to note that once proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to restitute the victims.

Representatives of the embassies who received the items on behalf of the victims commended the EFCC for the gesture.

The Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Velasco, said the handover of the recovered assets was a demonstration of the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and Spain. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Government has inaugurated the first barracks that would provide office and residential accommodation for personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yola, Adamawa.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the role of NDLEA in the society could not be overstated.

Fagbemi said that the provision was with a charge to the personnel that the well-deserved investment in their welfare was a call to higher responsibility and unwavering dedication to duty.

He said the facility, which included modern administrative offices, detention facilities, secure storage, and residential accommodations, was not just a physical structure.

He added that it was a critical investment in human capital and a testament to President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve.

This, he said, was to create an environment where NDLEA officers and their families could live and thrive with dignity and security.

According to him, the fight against drug abuse is a fight for the nation’s future.

“It is a battle to protect our youth from the devastating effects of substance abuse and to rid our communities of the violence and destruction that often accompany the illegal drug trade.

“This barracks, therefore, is more than a place of residence; it is a fortress of resilience and a beacon of hope for our nation’s future.

“I would like to reassure you of my continued commitment to supporting the work that you do. This is based on my personal conviction of the intersection between justice and law enforcement.

“This facility is a critical component of the rule of law—ensuring that those who are tasked with upholding our laws are protected, empowered, and equipped to carry out their duties.

“It reinforces the principle that justice begins with those who enforce it, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he said.

Fagbemi urged NDLEA officers who would inhabit the facility to remain steadfast in their service.

According to him, the nation looks at NDLEA officers not only as enforcers of the law, but as protectors of shared hope for a safer, healthier society.

“This investment in your welfare is a call to higher responsibility, one that requires unwavering dedication and resolute commitment.

“This day should serve as more than the commissioning of a physical structure.

“It should be a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can thrive—free from the perils of drug abuse and the destruction it brings.

“Together, through concerted effort and unwavering determination, we will secure the promise of a better and brighter Nigeria for all,” the minister stated.

He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whose leadership the project was approved and set in motion.

The minister praised President Tinubu for aiding the dream into fruition, and Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa for his exemplary cooperation and support in ensuring that the project was executed.

He also appreciated the support of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, towards the operational successes of NDLEA.

“This project, which has been conceptualised and driven by retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the dynamic Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, is a reflection of the forward-thinking leadership that has defined his tenure in the Agency.

“I am proud to note that Marwa has revitalised the operational framework of NDLEA, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to public service delivery,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the modern barracks is coming 35 years after the establishment of the NDLEA. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Yakubu Uba

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in commemoration of the 37th anniversary of its inception, has activated a mini driver’s licence printing farm in Lagos State.

The Corps Marshal, Mr Shehu Mohammed, said during the inauguration of the Lagos Mini Print Farm on Tuesday that the farm would help to reduce hardship experienced by motorists while acquiring driver’s licence.

Mohammed was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal Godwin Omiko from the Motor Vehicle Administration Unit of FRSC, Abuja.

Mohammed said that the print farm had a  maximum production capacity of 1,800 copies per hour and 9,000 in six hours.

“This plant is to ensure that people who apply for licence, after due diligence,  get their licence within a period of time.

“FRSC came up with this concept to streamline the driver’s license process and ensure backlogs are cleared,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that backlog in states amounted to 270,000, urging applicants to collect their licence in time.

He said that the harmonised data base for drivers in the country still resided in Abuja.

He, however, said that for printing purposes, applicants residing in Lagos State would have theirs done by the  new print farm.

“It is our expectation that this centre will take care of all applicants from the South-West.

“Outstandings not picked are a challenge for us.  As long as applicants don’t have the card, FRSC has not finished its job,” he said.

Mohammed thanked Lagos State Government for partnership, and pledged that FRSC would to continue to do its best in service delivery.

Mr Abdul Rasheed Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, thanked FRSC for the initiative.

He hoped that it would address challenges faced in driver’s licence issuance.

“We hope that with the coming up of the farm, waiting for Abuja to send Lagos driver’s licence will be a thing of the past,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday, handed over 59 kidnapped victims rescued by security agencies to the Kaduna State Government.

The rescued victims comprising 24 male adults, 28 female adults and six children, were rescued from various locations in Kaduna State while one victim was receiving care in the hospital.

In his remarks, Ribadu said the rescue was achieved in joint operations of all the security forces under the directives of President Bola Tinubu to work extra to ensure that peace, security and normalcy were restored in the country.

“Yet again today, we have just received those who were rescued from captivity as a result of kidnapping by bandits.

“They are going back to their homes, we have seen them. It has been the case.

“Thousands and thousands of people have got grace and the work of President Bola Tinubu have been able to bring peace, security and restore their freedom and they are going back.

“We believe it is a journey. Already a lot is taking place and we are restoring order, we are bringing justice, we are bringing back peace to our country.

“About 59 or so people today. Last week, another number like that, and thousands and thousands and it is ongoing across the country.

“It is also a joint operation of all the security forces under the directives of Mr President,” he said.

Ribadu commended the security forces led by the 1 Division Nigerian Army to ensure successful rescue of the victims.

He also commended the efforts of Kaduna Government for cooperating with the Federal Government and the security forces to rid the state of insecurity.

“I would like to thank all those who are in charge or in the forefront of fighting to keep us safe in our country.

“The armed forces, the intelligence community, the civil police, all of us are working as one and we are seeing the result.

“We thank God for this opportunity given to us. We will continue to work and indeed it is a matter of time, Nigeria will be peaceful and we will restore order, definitely,” he added.

The representative of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Civil Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, assured that the military, in collaboration with all intelligence and security agencies, were fully committed to ensuring peace and security across the country.

He said they would continue to work under the coordination of the NSA to actualise the intent of the Commander-in-Chief.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State, Sani Kila, who represented the state government, thanked the NSA for ensuring that all kidnapped victims were returned to their families.

“First, I have to sincerely commend the effort of Mr President in gearing attention and ensuring that security is number one priority in the land.

“Secondly, I must also commend my Governor, Distinguished Sen. Uba Sani, for following in the shoes of Mr President.

“He is doing a lot to ensure that the citizens of Kaduna State are freed and they live peacefully,” he said.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were rescued from different locations in the state by the security forces.

He said that some had been in captivity for more than four months.

“These captives were rescued along Abuja-Kaduna Way, specifically at Rijana General Area, and through the effort of the various security agencies that is yielding fruit.

“We should commend Mr President and commend all of them and we should continue to pray.

“Some of them have been with the captives for about four months, and in different periods in between, but the most recent period has been four months.

“Based on intelligence that we have been collecting, the NSA directed us to tie up with 1 Division Nigerian Army, which is the lead in Kaduna, to conduct operations within the area which we have identified to rescue these people.

“1 Division was the lead in these operations,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to prioritise the establishment of a combined maritime task force to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Tinubu said this at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday.

The President expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the task force’s headquarters in Lagos.

Tinubu conveyed Nigeria’s position as the AU considered the report on the AUPSC, focusing on peace and security in Africa, and the biennial report on the implementation of the Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa (2023-2024).

The President’s statement was delivered at the meeting on his behalf by Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.

“I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos,” he said.

Nigeria also signed an agreement with the AU to provide Strategic Sea Lift Services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel movement.

Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, Nigeria’s defence minister, signed the agreement, under which the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Tuggar, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Naval Chief, and Amb. Muhammed Muhammed, the Director-General of the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, witnessed the signing of the agreement.

Amb. Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed for the AU.

President Tinubu expressed satisfaction that the AUPSC had already adopted the outcomes of a high–level meeting, including the decision to upgrade the Nigerian National Counter-Terrorism Centre to a Regional Counter–Terrorism Centre.

He also appreciated the Peace and Security Council’s decision to renew the mandate of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, addressing the twin challenges of terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Region.

On Libya, the Nigerian leader expressed concern that the instability in the North African country had worsened security challenges in the Sahel and called on the Assembly to back initiatives to restore law and order.

“The Sahel cannot enjoy peace as long as Libya does not,” he warned.

President Tinubu highlighted the severe insecurity affecting countries grappling with democratic transition, including Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Gabon.

“It would not be out of place to explore the possibility of extending the inherent benefits of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 to support AU Peace Support Operations,” he said.

In doing so, he added that the AU must try to prevent the increasing incursion of extra-continental forces, including private military companies, into African security matters.

President Tinubu welcomed the progress in operationalising the African Standby Force, reiterating Nigeria’s support.

He appealed to all AU member countries and delegations to show the necessary flexibility and allow the draft MoU on the operationalisation of the standby force to be adopted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba