NSCDC Arrests Four for Illegal Possession of Firearm, Gunrunning, Banditry, Job Racketeering

By: Michael Mike

Four suspects who were allegedly involved in illegal possession of firearm, gunrunning, kidnapping, banditry and Job racketeering have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

A statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi said the arrest by the NSCDC Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad in its ongoing effort in combating economic sabotage and fighting Insecurity across the country.
.
He said the CG’s SIS also recovered two automatic riffles with three magazines; an AK47 with 15 live ammunition, one FN riffle with two live ammunition, one live cartridge with nine locally fabricated pistols, one bionet, two pair of Nigerian Forest Security Services uniform among others items.

Babawale said three among the suspects all male gave their names as Umar Ibrahim, 35 years, Nura Abubakar, 20 years and Mohammed Sule 20 years. They were all arrested at Ukoso Komva Ward, Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

He added that upon Interrogations three of the suspects claimed that they were deceived into the crime by one Ali who is currently at large as he earlier invited them to assist him with the sales of fire arms in his possession.

He said: “They were however apprehended on their way to deliver it to the buyer”.

The spokesman said, in their separate but similar confessional statements, they called on those with intention to indulge in the dastardly act to desist as they pleaded for mercy.

He added that a volunteer with the Nigerian Forest Security Services, Lar Changkur was arrested in Bauchi State over allegedly involvement in gunrunning.

He noted that the suspect equally called on those with such thoughts to desist forthwith while pleading for leniency.

Babawale said the CG’s SIS has also arrested a 62-year-old called Felix Clerkson for his involvement in job racketeering.

He noted that during preliminary Investigation, over 120 fake letters of appointment into the NSCDC. were recovered.

Clerkson, who was picked up at Nasarawa Eggon in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State following a tip off, admitted to have defrauded desperate and unsuspecting victims to the whopping sum of over N26 million.

Babawale said: “Our ongoing investigation however revealed that the suspect has swindled his victims to the tune of fifty-five million Naira (N55,000,000:00) part of which he shared with his accomplices currently at large but are being trailed by our men.

“All the suspects are to be charged to court on completion of investigation.

He noted that the CG SIS was established by the CG Audi-led administration and headed by Commandant Dandaura Appollos, the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad has so far made significant successes in the fight against oil theft by confronting illegal bunkering, power and telecommunication vandals, Railway vandals, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements involved in nefarious acts across the federation.

NSCDC Arrests Four for Illegal Possession of Firearm, Gunrunning, Banditry, Job Racketeering

NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7

By: Michael Mike

Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap has announced that NIS is set to launch the contactless passport application solution in Europe, with UK serving as the coordinating centre on February 7.

The Comptroller General made the announcement on Tuesday when she paid a courtesy call on Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja.

She said: “This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes.”

Nandap reiterated that the innovative solution is designed to simplify the passport application process for Diaspora, save time, and reduce costs associated with travelling to apply for passport.

She, however, said that the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors but for those renewing their passports.

She said Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.

Nandap commended NIDCOM for being a dependable partner and ally in advocacy in giving awareness to its programmes and policies, especially as it affects Nigerians living abroad.

The Comptroller General said that President Bola Tinubu has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, saying the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has in the meantime approved a passport processing facility for New York, to address the backlog and bring experience there.

She added that passport front offices will soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries.

Responding to the news, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the laudable initiative, which aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support and facilitate diaspora engagement.

“The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” she added.

She commended the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General for the innovations introduced, noting that the contactless application has since taken off in Canada with commendations from Nigerians in Canada.

NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7

BREAKING – Gov Mutfwang’ Announces demise of LT Gen J T Useni, commiserates with Family

By: Our Reporter

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, deeply regrets to announce to the citizens of Plateau State and all patriotic Nigerians, the passing of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.

The distinguished elder statesman passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.

In a statement in Jos signed by , Governor Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public affairs ,the Governor described the passing of General Useni as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.

The Governor highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape. He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.

Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.

After retiring from the military, General Useni transitioned into politics, where he continued his service to the nation. He served as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The Governor commended General Useni’s life of selfless service, noting his profound contributions to the military, politics, and his community. He emphasized that the General’s legacy of compassion, kindness, generosity, and dedication to the well-being of others will endure in the lives of those he impacted.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman,” Governor Mutfwang said.

He prayed that God grants the family, Plateau State, and the nation the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. He also asked for God’s divine presence to comfort and provide solace in the days ahead.

BREAKING – Gov Mutfwang’ Announces demise of LT Gen J T Useni, commiserates with Family