National News
Former IGP MD Abubakar Preaches Christmas Message

Former IGP MD Abubakar Preaches Christmas Message
By: Our Reporter
The National President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute, (AANI) and former Inspector General of Police, Mr. MD Abubakar joins Christians in Nigeria and the world over to appreciate God Almighty for his mercies in sparing our lives to celebrate the 2021 Christmas and the forthcoming New Year 2022.
His message reads: “Christmas is a period when our Christian brothers and sisters celebrate and reflect on the birth, messages and sacrifices of Jesus Christ to save humanity.
“It is the ultimate observance of the most incredible act of love for humanity, as stated in the Holy Bible. I, therefore, wish all our Christian faithful, merry and hitch free Christmas celebrations. However, while celebrating, there is a need for all to reflect on the essence of Christmas by reflecting on the teachings and virtues of Jesus Christ by showing love to one another.
“Indeed, the year 2021 have been very challenging given the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and the advent of its Delta and Omicron variants, as well as myriads of other security and socio-economic challenges. I commend the resilience of Nigerians in the face of all these challenges and our individual and collective efforts in making our country better in the face of these daunting challenges. Nonetheless, I enjoin us to be continuously conscious of the COVID-19 pandemic and take proactive measures and adhere to the COVID-19 protocols to contain its spread among our society.
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“AANI which is composed of well trained and highly experienced Nigerians and elder statesmen and women, is deeply concerned about the increasing security and socio-economic challenges in the country and efforts at tackling them. Therefore, we wish to acknowledge these efforts and commend the Federal and State Governments and the resilience of all our security agencies in tackling the daunting security and other socio-economic challenges in Nigeria. Nonetheless, we call on the government to do more as most of these challenges are deeply rooted and require more concerted, comprehensive, participatory, and proactive measures.
“The Federal Government must come up with a comprehensive strategy and aggressive advocacy to stabilize the polity and promote a proactive agenda for the development of the country. We must all rededicate ourselves to the Nigerian project and provide durable solutions to the prevailing situations in the country. We must focus on a qualitative and functional education system for our teeming population and enhance agriculture and agro-allied processing as our area of comparative advantage.
“This would increase employment, reduce poverty and crimes, and promote overall growth and development in Nigeria. This requires a comprehensive programme of action that is objective, participatory and implemented on a continuous basis in an integrated and strategic manner. We wish to also call on all Nigerians to be more hopeful and continue to support the efforts of the government and the security forces to enable us to have a peaceful and secured Nigeria.
“In the face of these challenges, our noble Association has remained focussed, vibrant, and proactive in the search for solutions towards a better society. We have a critical role to play in promoting a proper understanding of the issues, by engaging effectively with all stakeholders to advance an actionable agenda towards a lasting solution to the current security and socio-economic challenges in Nigeria.
“In this connection, AANI is poised to convene a national dialogue involving all stakeholders, on Nigeria’s national unity and development. This is borne out of the observed divisive tendencies observed among the components of the Nigerian society, unguarded utterances that tend to polarise the nation by noted groups and individuals. This has led to the frightening state of affairs in the country and thus needs to be addressed. The dialogue is expected to provide a platform for frank and objective discussion on thorny and contentious issues of national unity with a view to establishing a common ground for national rebirth. We hope at the end of it, we shall be able to proffer practicable recommendations and innovative implementation strategies to strengthen our national unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. We, therefore, call on all Nigerians to support us and take an active part in this venture which comes up in the first quarter of 2022.
“We condemn the wanton destruction of lives and property and threats and intimidation of bonafide citizens in any parts of the country by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements in the society. Additionally, the voice of AANI will continue to be loud in continuous appeal to the Federal government to guarantee the lives, safety, and the property of law-abiding citizens across the country. We shall also continue to preach peace and harmony among all Nigerians and the creation of opportunities for everyone to realise their potentials. We must also emphasise that the solution to violence and criminality is to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators and address the root causes of these issues.
“As we approach the 2023 general elections, we wish to call on the political class to uphold global best practices and focus on the security, welfare, and economic prosperity of Nigerians over and above their personal ambitions and pecuniary interests. Let there be politicking devoid of thuggery and violence. Consequently, we will continue to promote national development through dialogue and advice. We would also advise and make inputs on national policies and recommendations and realistic implementation strategies for the well-being of Nigerians and other residents of this country.
“I would like to, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire members of AANI, wish all Nigerians compliments of the season and a prosperous new year. May each of you and your loved ones celebrate the yuletide period in peace and good health, amen. God bless you all and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. AANI, Towards a Better Society!”
Former IGP MD Abubakar Preaches Christmas Message
National News
Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel

Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai in Yobe have intercepted a truck loaded with suspected vandalised iron railway sleepers and arrested eight suspects, including five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), during a targeted operation in Katarko area of Gujba Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which took place on July 8 at about 4:00 p.m., followed credible intelligence about the movement of vandalised railway materials.

The truck, was intercepted while en route to Damaturu. A Hilux vehicle marked NSCDC CD 234 A, believed to be providing escort for the illegal consignment, was also impounded.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the railway materials were vandalised from a section of the tracks around Kukuwa, also in Gujba LGA.
Further findings revealed that the arrested NSCDC officers were allegedly invited by the vandals to provide safe passage in exchange for monetary compensation.
A cash sum of ₦128,500, believed to be proceeds of the illegal escort, was recovered from one of the NSCDC officers. The money was reportedly concealed in his inner clothing.
The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Damaturu for further investigation. An anti-bomb squad has also been directed to sweep the recovered materials to ensure public safety.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable will be prosecuted accordingly.
Army intercepts railway vandals in Yobe, arrests 8 suspects including 5 NSCDC personnel
National News
NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June

NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the rising incident of human rights violation in the country, stating that last alone over 320,000 cases were reported across the country.
Speaking during the presentation of June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.”
He lamented that: “Every month, when we gather to present this human rights dashboard, we are confronted with a sobering reality of the lived realities of those affected by violence, injustice, discrimination, and systemic neglect. These numbers compel us to reflect deeply on our collective responsibility and ask ourselves the difficult question: Are we doing enough? The events of June 2025 demand not just reflection, but an honest and urgent response.”
He said: “Last month, Nigeria witnessed a harrowing surge in violent attacks, with devastating consequences for affected communities and our national conscience. Among the most tragic incidents were the brutal assaults on the Yelewata and Dauda communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent lives were lost. These were not mere figures on a report; they were fathers, mothers, children, and breadwinners; families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and futures extinguished in moments of senseless brutality.
“Equally alarming is the rising trend of attacks against law enforcement and local security forces. In Kaduna and Niger States, more than 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks, further destabilizing already fragile regions. Equally distressing was the massacre of over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ruggar Chida, brave individuals who stood on the frontlines to protect their communities, only to pay the ultimate price.
“Their deaths leave a void in local security structures, rendering civilians even more exposed to further violence.”
Ojukwu noted that: “The wave of insecurity plaguing our highways has also intensified. In June alone, more than 50 travellers were abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue States. These are not isolated criminal acts; they represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights to freedom of movement, economic participation, and personal dignity. These abductions inflicts lasting trauma on victims and their families while further eroding public trust in the safety of our roads. This pattern of violence marked by impunity, fear, and systemic failure highlights a grave deficit in protection and accountability.”
He added that: “In the month of June, we received 327,154 complaints reflecting another sharp increase in human rights violations, each one a desperate plea for justice and a stark reminder of how much work remains to be done.
“To the government, we reiterate the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions. To civil society and the media, we urge sustained advocacy and amplification of these issues. To our development partners, we call for strengthened collaboration in addressing the root causes of these issues. This dashboard must not merely serve as a record of tragedies; it must be a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change.
“Let us never forget; every complaint documented, every statistic recorded in these dashboards represents a Nigerian citizen, a fellow human being seeking justice, safety, and the fulfilment of their basic rights.
“The National Human Rights Commission remains unwavering in its mandate to promote, protect, and enforce human rights across Nigeria. We will forge ahead with purposeful and sustained action.”
NHRC: Over 320,000 Human Rights Violations Complaints Received in June
National News
Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas
By:Michael Mike
The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to allow travellers comply with the new visa regime.
A statement at the weekend by the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.
The statement read: “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).
“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”
He disclosed in the statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run through to 30th September 2025.
He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.
He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and; Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.
Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
(https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.
He said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng
“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
“For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”
Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas
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