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FG to Tackle Cross Border Banditry Electronically

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FG to Tackle Cross Border Banditry Electronically

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government is moving to tackle cross-border banditry and irregular migration with the deployment of automated border management solutions across the vast borders in the country.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja after inspecting the e-border management centre as well as the Command and Control Centre for the electronic gates at the airports.

The Minister said while the e-Border project was over 60 percent completed, the e-Gates Command and Control Centre is now 100 percent completed and awaiting commissioning by President Bola Tinubu. Both centres are domiciled in the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS Headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing Journalists after the inspection, the Minister said: “On the border management solutions, we have gone very far. At the moment, I think we have done 60 percent in terms of deployment because what we saw the other time had to do with the air border solution, which is the Command and Control Centre, the e-Gates that we have. But we are not just talking about air borders or airports, we are also talking about our land borders and even the land borders as we know are more porous – both land and sea borders.

“What we are doing now is automating the whole surveillance system in our border space and real time, we can view a lot of our borders at this moment and I won’t want to disclose more. But the simple truth is we are automating the whole process and I think by October, the Phase 1 of the whole border surveillance system would have been completed and from here we can view, see kilometres away from the border before people even come into Nigeria.

“Also, there is a solution that enables people in the border areas to communicate directly if there is emergency. They can report issues and there are solutions as to how we just don’t take their reports or complaints but that we can swing into actions.

“We want to make our borders as interactive and safe as possible because in the larger perspective, the belief of Mr President is that a secure border is a secure nation. So, securing our border is very key in terms of securing our nation and the administration of President Bola Tinubu is not leaving any stone unturned in the quest of making Nigeria a safe country for people to be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

“But I can tell you, anyone who thinks that he can perpetrate illegality within our border space should be prepared for the consequences. We are renewing the hopes of Nigerians in all areas of life. This is just Phase 1 and we will soon start Phase 2. We will do it in such a way that the entire 4,447 kilometres of Nigeria’s border is secured. The journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. We have started now and we are not going back until Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed”.

The Minister said on the commissioning of Command and Control Centre for the e-Gates, that the project was already completed and would soon be commissioned.

He revealed that: “We are waiting for Mr President. We have already notified the president and I am happy that the media have seen the place and you know it is 100 percent ready to go”, he stated.

On her part, Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap said the officers and men are well motivated and currently undergoing extensive trainings on the e-solutions.

She said: “We are over 60 percent gone with regard to the border management solutions and our officers and men are also being trained currently. We are ready and our officers are well motivated”, she said.

The CGIS explained that the border communities have been sensitized on how to collaborate with the service, adding that the NIS has opened a communication line with the communities in order to be able to get relevant information from them.

FG to Tackle Cross Border Banditry Electronically

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Lagos Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Killing, Dismembering His Father

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Lagos Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Killing, Dismembering His Father

By: Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Sowe Temidayo Igbekele, for allegedly killing and dismembering his father, Babatunde Sowe Kayode, aged 60, at their residence in Oshodi area of the state.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended on Sunday following a report lodged at the Alakara Division by a female relative, Temidayo Akinola, of No. 56 Igbehinadun Street, Oshodi.

According to the sources, the incident occurred on April 17 at about 9:00 a.m. within the same residence. The motive behind the gruesome act is yet to be determined.

He said that a team of homicide detectives visited and photographed the crime scene, while the dismembered corpse of the deceased was evacuated and deposited at a public morgue for autopsy.

The suspect, who fled the scene after the incident, was tracked and arrested at his hideout in Oshodi on April 20.

Lagos Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Killing, Dismembering His Father

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Zulum approves N850 million for rehabilitation, upgrade of boreholes in flood affected areas

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Zulum approves N850 million for rehabilitation, upgrade of boreholes in flood affected areas

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the release of N850 million for the procurement of pumps, accessories and other components necessary for the rehabilitation and upgrade of boreholes across Maiduguri and surrounding communities.

This is part of a decisive move to address water scarcity caused by the devastating flood of 10th September 2024 and to restore access to potable water in most affected areas.

The General Manager of Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Dr Mohammed Musa Aliyu, disclosed this recently to journalists in Maiduguri.

“His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the sum of N850 million for the procurement of pumps, accessories, and other spare parts required for the rehabilitation and upgrading of boreholes in Maiduguri and its environs. Suppliers have already commenced delivery of the required materials,” Dr Aliyu stated.

In addition, the GM said RUWASA has established a Rapid Response Team tasked with inspecting and repairing water facilities in flood-affected areas.

The team will be deployed across Maiduguri, Jere, Dikwa, Mafa, Gamboru Ngala, and other impacted local government areas to identify and address faulty boreholes.

“We have constituted a Rapid Response Team that will commence operations immediately. They will assess all affected areas and carry out necessary repairs. The team is expected to complete the assessment within two weeks and will work in close collaboration with professionals from the State Ministry of Water Resources and other relevant experts,” Dr Aliyu added.

Furthermore, Governor Zulum has approved the construction of additional waterworks in several communities across the state to further strengthen access to potable water.

Dr. Aliyu announced that new facilities will be established in Zarmari, Shaukari, Gubio, Gajiganna, Gajiram, Kaleri, and Mafa towns.

“This initiative builds upon previous achievements by the Zulum administration, which has already successfully completed waterworks projects in Pulka, Chibok, Azare in Hawul Local Government, Moramti-Konduga Local Government, and Ngarannam in Maiduguri Metropolis,” he concluded.

Zulum approves N850 million for rehabilitation, upgrade of boreholes in flood affected areas

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No Bomb Blast in Maiduguri Prison; Fire in Okah’s Cell Was Self-Inflicted – Authorities

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No Bomb Blast in Maiduguri Prison; Fire in Okah’s Cell Was Self-Inflicted – Authorities

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Correctional Service has debunked reports of a bomb explosion at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MaSCC) in Maiduguri, describing the incident involving detainee Charles Okah as a false alarm.

Intelligence sources informed Zagazola Makama that, contrary to circulating claims, there was no bomb blast at the facility on Sunday night. Authorities confirmed that the fire in Okah’s cell was self-inflicted after he allegedly ignited his mattress using a box of matches in an attempt to cause panic within the facility.

“He lit up his bed and immediately began shouting from the window that there was a fire,” an official stated. “When officers arrived, we found the mattress burning and quickly extinguished the fire.” No further damage occurred to any part of the cell or the prison.

Following the incident, a search was conducted in the cell, during which a box of matches was recovered from Okah. He was immediately taken to the prison clinic for medical attention and is currently recuperating. The damaged mattress has been replaced.

“There is no evidence of any explosive device, and there was no external breach or attack on the facility,” the official added. “If there had been a bomb blast in Okah’s cell, how come nothing happened to him? He is still the one screaming that there was a fire in his cell.”

The authorities also dismissed rumors of absent night-duty officers, confirming that personnel responded swiftly to contain the situation and ensure the safety of other inmates.

When asked how the inmate gained access to matches, the authorities explained that Okah was allowed to attend church service due to the Easter celebration, which may have provided him access to the matches he used to set his bed on fire. Regarding the motive behind his actions, the authorities stated that Okah is a controversial inmate who frequently creates trouble and problems.

Mr. Charles Okah has been held at the Maiduguri custodial facility since March 16, 2025.

No Bomb Blast in Maiduguri Prison; Fire in Okah’s Cell Was Self-Inflicted – Authorities

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