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Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

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Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has reiterated on the need for Nigerians travelling outside the shores of the country to be more circumspect to avoid any untoward circumstances.

Dabiri-Erewa gave this advisory during a visit by the CEO of Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Limited and President of the Christian Tourism Practioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere,, who lamented the maltreatment he suffered at Cairo Tarmac during a stopover on his pilgrimage to Israel.

Kristilere, recounting the events of April 30th, 2024, when he and 27 pilgrims, were en route to Israel during a four-hour layover in Cairo, said: “Myself and another first-class passenger were resting in the lounge. Around midnight, when I observed that boarding has commenced, yet my group remained seated. Upon inquiry, I learnt they had instructed us to wait.”

Kristilere added that when he attempted to board, he was detained by airport security personnel on accusations of sexual abuse, based on a trump-up complaint and a supposed video recording he was not allowed to view.

Forced to apologize to the alleged victim to avoid court proceedings, he expressed his sympathy for the lady in case someone else had abused her and she mistook him for the person. He also documented his refusal to sign an Arabic document by writing “I DO NOT KNOW” above his surname while recording the audio of the encounter through his phone.

Amidst this ordeal, the intervention of the Desk Manager resulted in the return of Rev. Kristilere’s passport and his release. On May 1st, at around 1 a.m, the 27 pilgrims, who had refused to board without him, finally departed Cairo together.

Reacting to the sordid narrative, the Chairman/CEO NiDCOM who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi clarified that NIDCOM would bring his petition to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Egypt , adding that they have the powers and jurisdiction to intervene and investigate.

She apologized for the maltreatment Rev. Kristilere endured, emphasizing that no Nigerian should face inhumane treatment abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa commended Rev. Kristilere for securing support from the Christian Pilgrims Commission and encouraged him to forward relevant documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Egyptian Embassy.

The NiDCOM Boss further assured that the commission will continue to advocate for dignified and humane treatment and privileges of Nigerians all over the world.

Be Circumspect to Avoid Untoward Circumstances While Abroad, NIDCOM Advises Travelers

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Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara

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Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.

According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.

The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.

Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.

Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara

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Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue

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Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.

Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.

In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.

Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.

He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.

Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue

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Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception

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Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.

The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.

Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.

The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.

Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception

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